quick bursts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick bursts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe short, rapid occurrences or actions, often in contexts like exercise, creativity, or information processing. Example: "She prefers to work in quick bursts of productivity rather than long, drawn-out sessions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In both sports, you're talking about quick bursts of movement".

The New York Times - Sports

The pathway was illuminated by quick bursts of flashlights.

The New York Times - Arts

Culliton sketches in this background in quick bursts.

The New York Times - Books

The doorbell rang again, this time in three quick bursts.

The New York Times

interval training on an exercise bike, alternating a steady pace with quick bursts of speed.

Harvard University

He speaks in quick bursts, and his conversations tend to the elliptical.

The New Yorker

The Yaris Hybrid-R, a concept car, uses a supercapacitor to provide quick bursts of power.

The Economist

It made expressive points in quick bursts, without ever overwhelming the singers.

The New Yorker

MicroChips technology offered a way to deliver quick bursts of the drug automatically.

MIT Technology Review

They are fearless experimenters who are willing to learn, launch, adapt, and improve in quick bursts.

Harvard Business Review

U.S. troops unloaded hundreds of rounds in quick bursts over 45 minutes.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical activities, pair "quick bursts" with action verbs to convey dynamism and energy. For instance, "quick bursts of speed" or "quick bursts of effort" can vividly illustrate the intensity of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "quick bursts" to describe actions that require continuous or prolonged effort. The phrase is best suited for activities characterized by short, intense intervals, not sustained exertion. For continuous effort, consider alternatives like "steady pace" or "consistent output".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick bursts" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used adjectivally to describe the manner in which something occurs. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in describing various phenomena, from physical activity to data delivery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quick bursts" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe short, intense periods of activity or occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common usage across diverse contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it appears frequently in news, academic, and general informational sources. Alternatives such as "short bursts" or "rapid bursts" offer similar meanings. When using "quick bursts", ensure it aligns with actions characterized by short, intense intervals rather than sustained efforts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short bursts

This alternative uses a synonym for "quick", maintaining the meaning of brief and sudden activity.

rapid bursts

Replacing "quick" with "rapid" emphasizes the speed and suddenness of the occurrences.

brief spurts

"Spurts" provides a similar connotation of sudden and short releases, akin to bursts.

sudden bursts

This alternative highlights the unexpected nature of these short periods.

short bursts of activity

Adds "activity" to specifically describe short periods of action rather than occurrence.

intermittent bursts

Adding "intermittent" emphasizes the irregular and non-continuous nature of the bursts.

fleeting moments

This phrase shifts the focus to the brevity and transient nature of the occurrences.

short intervals

"Intervals" highlights the separation and timing aspect of these brief periods.

rapid sequences

This alternative emphasizes the fast succession of events or actions.

brief episodes

"Episodes" frames the bursts as distinct and short-lived occurrences.

FAQs

How can I use "quick bursts" in a sentence?

You can use "quick bursts" to describe short, intense periods of activity. For example, "The athlete trained using "quick bursts of speed"" or "The presentation featured "quick bursts of information" to keep the audience engaged.

What are some alternatives to "quick bursts"?

Alternatives to "quick bursts" include "short bursts", "rapid bursts", or "brief spurts". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "quick bursts" in formal writing?

Yes, "quick bursts" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing scientific or technical processes, such as "quick bursts of energy" in a hybrid engine. However, consider the audience and ensure the phrase fits the overall tone.

What's the difference between "quick bursts" and "steady stream"?

"Quick bursts" refers to short, intense periods of activity, while "steady stream" describes a continuous, consistent flow. For example, "quick bursts" might describe interval training, while "steady stream" could describe a continuous data feed.