quick aside

USAGE SUMMARY

"quick aside" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used as a parenthetical comment, meaning a brief remark that interrupts the flow of a speech or conversation. For example, "Due to the lack of available resources, we need to consider other options - quick aside, I heard that we may be able to use the money from the school fundraiser for this purpose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Quick aside.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She peeled off for a quick aside.

The New York Times

Very important point I want to reach here as a quick aside.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Then, a quick aside: "John was a huge help on this movie".

The New York Times

Before turning to my preseason predictions, one quick aside on Alabama.

The New York Times

Then, as a quick aside, Colbert took issue with the existence of medical school yearbooks.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Often those quick asides contained important contextual information, background analyses, or hypotheses about the root cause of a particular problem.

Harvard Business Review

During a joint interview Deondra took the lead in a conversation that flowed on a wave of giggles, mutually completed sentences, teasing jabs and quick asides.

The New York Times - Arts

Non-Spanish-speakers will get only the broad outline of the plot and the physical humor; for the many one-liners and quick asides, an ease with the language is essential.

The New York Times

Hendrix can also be seen chatting with a very young Dick Cavett; he slyly takes over the conversation, staying a step ahead of his interviewer and getting off a couple of quick asides that play like fluttering arpeggios.

The New York Times

And yet there were some significant distinctions -- often buried in quick asides meant to hint, but never exactly state, how each man might run the country differently from the other.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "quick aside" to introduce relevant but non-essential information, providing context or clarification without derailing the main subject.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple asides within a single paragraph or conversation, as this can confuse your audience and dilute your core message. Keep it brief and focused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick aside" functions as an interjectory phrase. It's typically used parenthetically to introduce a brief, often related, comment that digresses slightly from the main topic. As Ludwig AI points out, it signals a temporary shift in focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick aside" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a brief digression or supplementary comment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media sources, as well as academic writings, with a neutral register making it suitable for diverse contexts. To avoid overwhelming readers, remember to employ this phrase sparingly, using alternatives like “brief digression” or “by the way” when appropriate. When incorporated thoughtfully, a "quick aside" can enrich your writing by providing valuable context and personal insights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief digression

Emphasizes the temporary departure from the main topic.

short digression

Similar to "brief digression" but with slightly less emphasis on conciseness.

brief tangent

Implies a slightly less structured departure from the main topic.

small digression

Emphasizes the minor nature of the interruption.

minor digression

Synonymous with "small digression".

a word in passing

Highlights the incidental nature of the comment.

parenthetical remark

Highlights the interruptive function of the utterance.

by the way

A more informal way to introduce a digression.

in passing

Emphasizes the brevity and lack of focus on the digression.

incidentally

Suggests that the information is not essential to the main point.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "quick aside" in a sentence?

Incorporate "quick aside" to briefly introduce supplementary details or related thoughts that enrich the primary discourse without causing a significant deviation. For example: "We need to address budget constraints – "quick aside", have we explored all funding avenues? – before making any final decisions."

Are there alternative ways to express "quick aside"?

You can use alternatives such as "brief digression", "short digression", or "by the way" to indicate a brief, tangential remark.

What's the difference between "quick aside" and "digression"?

"Quick aside" explicitly denotes brevity and a less formal interruption, while "digression" ("digression") simply refers to a departure from the main topic, without necessarily implying it's short or informal.

When is it appropriate to use "quick aside" in writing?

Use "quick aside" when you need to provide a brief, relevant commentary or clarification that isn't crucial to the main argument but enhances understanding. It's often suitable in articles, blog posts, or informal reports.