quick detour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick detour" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a brief change in direction or plan, often to accomplish something before returning to the original course. Example: "We decided to take a quick detour to grab some coffee before continuing our road trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

I'll just take a quick detour through the kitchen.

The New Yorker

He made a quick detour to Duveen's to replenish.

The New Yorker

I just have to make a quick detour to Union Square for fresh sweet peas.

The New York Times - Food

My mother made a quick detour to a Dunkin' Donuts to grab a cup of coffee.

The New York Times

Both teams made a quick detour to play the makeup, caused by a rainout Aug. 19.

The New York Times

I sat in my car and considered a quick detour to the hospice, only a few miles away.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Pedestrians made lightning-quick detours around the oily blob, and Ali, the sausage guy, let out a bone-tired sigh.

Huffington Post

Resisting the habit of starting at the end and flashing back to the beginning, it begins at the late middle, goes back to the beginning, comes back to the near-end, jumps around in the early and middle middle and then noodles around between a bunch of almost-ends and the really absolutely final end, with a quick, baffling detour into an earlier part of the early middle.

The New York Times

We had to dash across Colorado, but we'd learned from a relative about two quick, spectacular detours off Interstate 70 onto the older, roughly parallel Route 6.

The New York Times - Travel

There is the real possibility that this road to reform will be illusory, stacked with obstacles, detours, dead ends and quick exits.

The New York Times

Detectives believe Sameena thought this was to be a quick pre-Christmas visit to David – a detour on their trip to Birmingham.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick detour" to indicate a brief, often unplanned, deviation from a planned route or activity. For example, "We made a quick detour to grab coffee."

Common error

Avoid using "quick detour" for substantial or permanent changes in plans. It implies a brief and temporary deviation, not a complete alteration of the original goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick detour" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "quick" modifies the noun "detour". It describes a brief or short deviation from a planned route or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick detour" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a brief deviation from a planned route or activity. As Ludwig AI has verified, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the deviation is indeed temporary and not a major alteration of the original plan. Consider alternatives like "brief deviation" or "short diversion" to provide nuance. Remember that while versatile, it’s less common in formal academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fast detour

Similar to quick detour just using a different term.

speedy deviation

Emphasizes how fast the detour is performed.

brief deviation

Emphasizes the act of straying from the original path in a concise manner.

short diversion

Highlights the temporary nature of the change in direction or activity.

short side trip

Refers specifically to a brief excursion from a journey.

brief digression

Focuses on a temporary departure from the main subject or topic.

impromptu stop

Highlights the unplanned nature of a brief interruption.

swift change of plans

Focuses on the speed and alteration of the original itinerary.

sudden alteration

Highlights the unexpected shift in direction.

fleeting visit

Emphasizes the short duration of a stop.

FAQs

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

You can use "quick detour" to describe a brief and often unplanned deviation from a planned route or activity. For example, "We took a quick detour to see the Hoover Dam" or "I'll take a quick detour through the kitchen".

What are some alternatives to "quick detour"?

Alternatives include "brief deviation", "short diversion", or "brief digression" depending on the context.

Is "quick detour" formal or informal?

The phrase "quick detour" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in less formal settings. It is used when talking about a brief change in direction or subject.

What's the difference between a "quick detour" and a "detour"?

A "quick detour" implies a short and often unplanned deviation, while a regular "detour" might suggest a longer or more significant rerouting due to an obstruction or planned change.