for a quick bite

USAGE SUMMARY

'for a quick bite' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a snack or light meal that can be consumed quickly. For example, "I'm going to the cafeteria for a quick bite before my next class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

For a quick bite, I recommend La Sandwicherie.

The New York Times - Food

"I usually go there for a quick bite to eat with my mates.

Independent

The other day he stopped into a restaurant for a quick bite.

The New Yorker

They've reopened their restaurant as a bar, hangout, and spot for a quick bite.

The Guardian - Travel

There are no places to stop for a quick bite to eat.

The New York Times - Travel

A Miss Sherman went into a soda-counter for a quick bite, and ordered a sandwich and a soda.

The New Yorker

Shortly after settling in, Brandi, looking calm and untroubled, met me for a quick bite to eat.

The New Yorker

Before heading back to the Monkey for their midnight performance, the group stopped for a quick bite at Siren.

The New York Times - Style

Duke shook my hand warmly and asked whether I would mind venturing outside for a quick bite to eat.

The New Yorker

There is a counter for a quick bite and several simple wood tables in the dining area.

The New York Times

One evening, looking for a quick bite before the theater, we polished off three courses in under an hour.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a quick bite" when you want to suggest a fast and informal meal, suitable for someone who is short on time or not very hungry.

Common error

While "for a quick bite" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in a short piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "grab a snack" or "have a light meal" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a quick bite" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the purpose of an action, such as stopping at a restaurant or meeting someone. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates an intention to consume a small amount of food quickly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

33%

Food

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a quick bite" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of having a small, informal meal or snack. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently found in News & Media, Travel, and Food-related content, indicating its versatility across different contexts. When writing, consider its informal tone and opt for alternatives like "grab a snack" or "have a light meal" if a more formal register is required. The phrase is a concise and practical way to suggest a fast and casual dining experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grab a bite to eat

Similar in meaning, but slightly more verbose.

get a snack

Implies obtaining food with the intention of eating a small portion.

grab a snack

Focuses on the act of taking food, implying speed and ease.

have a snack

A more general term for consuming a small amount of food.

eat a little something

A more descriptive and slightly informal way to suggest a light meal.

have a light meal

Emphasizes the small portion size of the meal.

eat something small

Directly refers to the size of the portion consumed.

get some food

A very general phrase referring to obtaining nourishment.

get a small meal

Focuses on obtaining a meal that is limited in size.

have a nibble

Suggests eating something in small, delicate bites.

FAQs

How can I use "for a quick bite" in a sentence?

You can use "for a quick bite" to suggest a fast and informal meal, like in the sentence: "Let's stop at that cafe "for a quick bite" before the movie."

What are some alternatives to "for a quick bite"?

Some alternatives include "grab a snack", "have a light meal", or "eat a little something".

Is "for a quick bite" formal or informal?

"For a quick bite" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or writing. In more formal contexts, consider using "to have a light meal".

What kind of food is usually associated with "for a quick bite"?

The phrase "for a quick bite" often implies easy-to-eat foods like sandwiches, snacks, or small portions that can be consumed rapidly.