for a quick word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a quick word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate a brief conversation or discussion with someone. Example: "Can we meet in the hallway for a quick word about the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Now for a quick word about the Libyan wireless business.

The New York Times - Magazine

Afternoon Sir Les MBE, got time for a quick word?

The Guardian - Sport

I'll pop down shortly for a quick word in the comments.

The Guardian

He will pose patiently for snapshots and pause for a quick word and laugh.

The New York Times

A woman wearing pink kit and visor steps out for a drink - an opportunity for a quick word.

The Guardian - Sport

Students can't hang around in the corridors in the hope of bumping into their tutors for a quick word, so all meetings have to be by appointment, and become a big deal.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I'll have more to say about it as that date approaches; for now, a quick word — see it.

The New Yorker

Some of the people who crowded in for a photo or a quick word confessed that they were just then hearing about him.

The Washington Post

Finally this week, a quick word for one of the other World Cups that will take place in England this year.

The Guardian - Sport

Oh, and put in a quick word for Tudou, China's would-be YouTube, since you're now its cultural ambassador.

The New York Times - Arts

He was glad he didn't — bunts can't produce home runs — and he had a quick word for Martinez before they shared a high-five.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a quick word" when you need to signal a brief, often informal, conversation. It's suitable for initiating a short discussion without implying a lengthy time commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "for a quick word" in highly formal written communication. Opt for phrases like "briefly discuss" or "address concisely" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a quick word" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce or request a brief conversation or statement. Ludwig AI confirms it's a common phrase across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a quick word" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a request or intention for a brief conversation. Ludwig AI validates its usage, showing that it appears in various contexts like News & Media, Academia and Sport. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, it’s best to avoid it in highly formal settings, where alternatives like "briefly discuss" might be more appropriate. When you need to signal a short and informal discussion, "for a quick word" is an effective and easily understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a brief chat

Replaces "word" with "chat", implying a slightly more informal conversation.

for a short discussion

Substitutes "word" with "discussion", suggesting a slightly more structured and focused conversation.

for a brief comment

Replaces "word" with "comment", indicating a very short remark.

for a fast statement

Changes "quick" to "fast" and "word" to "statement", emphasizing the speed and conciseness of the message.

for a prompt message

Replaces "quick" with "prompt" and "word" with "message", highlighting the immediacy and content of the communication.

for a speedy note

Substitutes "quick" with "speedy" and "word" with "note", implying a written or brief communication.

for a fleeting remark

Replaces "quick" with "fleeting" and "word" with "remark", stressing the brevity and casual nature of the communication.

for a moment

Simplifies the phrase to its essence, indicating a very short time for communication.

for a short address

Replaces "word" with "address", suggesting a more formal and directed communication.

for a brief interlude

Substitutes the whole expression with a more metaphorical turn, to mean a short pause for a communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "for a quick word" to introduce a brief conversation, like: "Can I grab you "for a quick word" after the meeting?"

What's a more formal alternative to "for a quick word"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "briefly discuss", "address concisely", or "have a short discussion" instead of "for a quick word".

Is "for a quick word" appropriate for written communication?

While acceptable in informal notes or emails, "for a quick word" might be too casual for formal written documents. Choose more precise language to convey your intent.

What is the difference between "for a quick word" and "for a quiet word"?

"For a quick word" implies a brief conversation, while "for a quiet word" suggests a private and potentially sensitive discussion.