from a quick read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from a quick read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when summarizing or giving an impression based on a brief examination of a text or document. Example: "From a quick read, it seems that the report highlights several key issues that need to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

About Snowden's whistleblowing, he said that NSA officials should have known from "a quick read of history, in America, the truth always managed to come out".

The Guardian - Opinion

But what I took from a quick read is that a major problem the US faces in all this is low population density — but not in the way apologists for the US lag tend to put it.

The New York Times

And since our theme this month is faith, a confession: At this stage, I don't know much more about Flannery O'Connor than what I've gleaned from a quick read of Wikipedia.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

What is inescapably evident, even from a quick reading of this tale of a puritanical young king who pits his authority against that of an immortal and amoral god, is the warm, thick darkness that courses through it like blood in a frightened animal.

The New York Times

For those of you who have not seen the Technorati quarterly report from Dave Sifry, have a quick read it  certainly makes fascinating reading and analysis on the rapid growth of the blogosphere and the internationalisation effect of the web.

TechCrunch

It will help them get (or keep!) their hands in the dirt, and it's a quick read with everything from growing and harvesting to selling and promoting fresh produce on campus.

HuffPost

Don Nice's watercolor on paper, "Hudson Highlands" (2000), on the other hand, takes a quick read of the Hudson River from a boat.

The New York Times

DOMINICK DELIA gave the letter from Nassau County announcing the new assessed value of his house a quick read and then set it aside.

The New York Times

Raising a Secure Child is neither a quick read nor a how-to, but instead invites thoughtful reflection from the reader.

University of California, Berkeley

Holding my attention from cover to cover The Art of Crisis Leadership by Rob Weinhold with Kevin Cowherd is a quick read book to keep forever!

Huffington Post

I'm a quick read.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "from a quick read", ensure the context reflects that the understanding or conclusion is based on a brief or initial assessment, and not an in-depth analysis.

Common error

Avoid presenting information "from a quick read" as definitive or exhaustive. Always acknowledge the limitations of a brief assessment and encourage further investigation if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from a quick read" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the source of information or understanding. This phrase signals that the knowledge or conclusion is derived from a brief or cursory reading. Ludwig provides examples that illustrate this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from a quick read" is a grammatically sound and usable prepositional phrase that indicates an understanding derived from a brief or cursory examination of a text. As Ludwig shows, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources. Although correct, you can use alternatives for greater formality like "based on a preliminary assessment". Remember to use it when your conclusion is not from an in-depth analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after a brief scan

Emphasizes the action of scanning, implying a faster and perhaps less thorough examination than reading.

from a cursory glance

Highlights the superficial nature of the observation, suggesting even less detail was absorbed.

based on a superficial review

Specifically denotes a review process, but one conducted without great depth.

following a swift perusal

Uses 'perusal' to describe a rapid reading.

after skimming through

Focuses on the act of skimming, which implies selectively reading for key information.

from a rapid overview

Highlights the comprehensive yet fast nature of understanding, like a summary.

after a fast reading

Simplifies the phrase, replacing 'quick' with 'fast'.

based on a preliminary assessment

More formal, suggesting an initial judgement or evaluation.

following a brief overview

Indicates understanding gained from a short summary or outline.

from a snapshot understanding

Implies gaining a fleeting, immediate comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "from a quick read" in a sentence?

You can use "from a quick read" to introduce a summary or initial understanding of something, for example: "From a quick read, it seems the report highlights key issues."

What are some alternatives to "from a quick read"?

Alternatives include "after a brief scan", "from a cursory glance", or "based on a superficial review".

Is it appropriate to use "from a quick read" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "from a quick read" might be perceived as informal in highly formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "based on a preliminary assessment" for a more formal tone.

What does "from a quick read" imply about the depth of understanding?

"From a quick read" suggests that the understanding is based on a brief examination, not an exhaustive analysis. It implies that the conclusion is preliminary and may require further investigation.