had a quick word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a quick word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief conversation or discussion with someone, often to convey a specific point or request. Example: "I just had a quick word with the manager about the upcoming project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He had a quick word with the landlady, and then he climbed up on the bench again and switched the cables.

The New Yorker

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

In an effort to suss out which horse Tony McCoy will be riding in his very last Grand National, I had a quick word on Monday with Frank Berry, racing manager to the owner JP McManus, McCoy's main employer.

The Guardian - Sport

On Friday night I had a quick word with my boss (also a regular cyclist) and then slipped away a little early from Kings Place to pedal down Farringdon Road, over Blackfriars Bridge and on to the Transport for London building.

The Guardian

I had a quick word back in his ear to say, 'Your serves are questionable; we can both talk about serves.' "I spoke to my psychologist the day before and he said try not to get emotional if he does that.

The Guardian - Sport

Magpies boss Alan Pardew tinkered with their tactics and had a quick word with his backline as Evans received treatment for an injury, and that seemed to help mend the leak in defence.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Fulton ignores him but the umpire has a quick word.

The Guardian - Sport

But only by having a quick word, though.

The Guardian - Sport

Trott trots down the pitch to have a quick word with him.

The Guardian - Sport

As Adams heads back to continue recording with Hoba Hoba Spirit, their singer and guitarist Reda Allali asks if he could have a quick word.

The Guardian - Music

Adam Roberts on Twitter: Reporter: "Gordon, can we have a quick word please?" Gordon Strachan: ".....velocity" (walks off).

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had a quick word" when you want to emphasize the brevity of a conversation, especially when the content of the conversation is less important than the fact that it occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "had a quick word" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "briefly consulted" or "held a short discussion" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a quick word" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a brief act of communication. Ludwig examples show its use in describing short interactions between individuals in various scenarios. The structure "had + a + adjective + noun" is common for describing brief actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Sport

21%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had a quick word" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes a brief conversation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral or informal contexts, with formal settings often benefiting from more precise alternatives. Remember to use it when emphasizing brevity and informality. The most frequent sources include News & Media and Sport. Use it when you wish to state two persons exchanged some words in a brief time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a quick chat

Casual alternative, implies an informal exchange.

had a brief conversation

Emphasizes the exchange of dialogue rather than the speed of it.

exchanged a few words

Highlights the minimal amount of communication.

had a short discussion

Similar to a brief conversation but may imply a more structured exchange.

spoke briefly

A more concise way of saying that someone had a short exchange.

chatted quickly

More informal, suggesting a casual and short conversation.

had a brief consult

More formal and business-oriented than the original phrase.

conveyed a message

Highlights the act of transmitting information succinctly.

exchanged remarks

Focuses on a reciprocal exchange of comments.

touched base briefly

Idiomatic phrase, meaning to make brief contact with someone.

FAQs

What does "had a quick word" mean?

The phrase "had a quick word" means to have a brief conversation with someone, often to give information, ask a question, or offer a suggestion.

What can I say instead of "had a quick word"?

You can use alternatives like "had a brief conversation", "had a short discussion", or "had a quick chat" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "had a quick word" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "had a quick word" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "briefly consulted" or "held a short discussion".

Can "had a quick word" be used to describe a heated argument?

While possible, "had a quick word" typically implies a brief and relatively neutral exchange. If the conversation was heated or argumentative, a more appropriate phrase might be "had a heated exchange" or "had a disagreement".