quick digression

USAGE SUMMARY

"quick digression" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to briefly change the topic or provide additional information that is somewhat related to the main subject. For example, "Before we continue, let me make a quick digression about the history of this topic." Alternative expressions include "brief aside" and "short tangent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Lifestyle

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A quick digression.

The New York Times - Food

Quick digression: Whose job is it to come up with names for Panasonic electronics?

TechCrunch

But first, a quick digression... when I was a kid, there was a soft drink called "TEEM".

Huffington Post

Quick Digression... Looking back... one of the most amusing moments, for me, in the Fillmore East's history was when Bill Graham announced, that due to all kinds of rising costs, ticket prices were gonna go from $5.00 for the orchestra and $4.00 for the mezzanine and $3.00 for the balcony up to the unheard of, the scandalously blatant ripoff prices of, $3.50, $4.50, $5.50.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But so, eventually, do small variations in the circling or quick digressions from it.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Shorter is a notoriously elliptical conversationalist, prone to cosmic digression and quick-fire allusion.

The New York Times - Arts

But I digress (from my digression).

TechCrunch

The finale, for instance, starts as if it is going to be a quick fugato, but it takes many digressions, some restoring the delectable duetting of flute and viola that had been a feature of the slow movement: Patricia Spencer and Lois Martin played those sequences very finely.

The New York Times - Arts

It provides some necessary information (as well as the program's only depiction of sex), but in dramatic terms it's a complete digression, something that now would be covered in a quick montage or a few lines of dialogue.

The New York Times - Arts

Now in his mid-80s, he is slender and quick, a New York talker, a man of polished anecdotes, long digressions, and strong opinions disguised with smiles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The form of Savage's show — the quick cuts from one topic to another, the way familiar political observations give rise to baffling digressions, the fluctuating tension between his blue-state life and his red-state message — is at least as important as its content, which means that it's hard to understand him, and his appeal, at second hand.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity when using "quick digression", ensure the digression is relevant and contributes to the overall understanding of the main topic. This prevents the audience from getting lost or confused.

Common error

Avoid using too many digressions, even if they are "quick". Frequent digressions can disrupt the flow of your writing and confuse your audience, making it difficult for them to follow your main argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick digression" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a temporary shift away from the main topic. It is often used to provide related information or context before returning to the primary subject. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase appears in diverse contexts, from news articles to personal anecdotes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

25%

Academia

12.5%

Less common in

Lifestyle

6.25%

Science

6.25%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick digression" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that functions as a discourse marker to signal a brief and related shift in focus. Although considered rare in frequency, as per Ludwig, it appears across diverse contexts like News & Media, Arts, and Academia. While generally neutral in register, it might be less formal than alternatives like "brief aside" in highly professional settings. It's essential to avoid overusing digressions to maintain clarity and prevent confusing your audience. Remember, you can use alternatives such as "brief aside" or "short tangent" for similar effect. The goal is to offer a temporary departure to enhance understanding before returning to your main point. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and provides helpful context for its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief aside

Focuses on the brevity of the deviation from the main topic.

quick tangent

Similar to short tangent, reinforcing the brevity of the deviation

short tangent

Emphasizes the divergence, though still brief, from the main subject.

minor deviation

Highlights the slight change in focus or direction.

small detour

Implies a temporary departure from the primary path or subject.

passing remark

Suggests the digression is casual and not extensively explored.

incidental comment

Highlights that the digression is secondary and not essential.

fleeting divergence

Underlines the temporary and quick nature of the subject change.

brief interlude

Frames the digression as a short break or pause from the main theme

small parenthesis

Suggests the digression is additional, clarifying information within a larger context.

FAQs

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

You can use "quick digression" to signal a brief departure from your main topic. For example, "Before I delve into the specifics, a "quick digression" about the historical context is necessary."

What are some alternatives to "quick digression"?

Some alternatives to "quick digression" include "brief aside", "short tangent", or "minor deviation" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between a "quick digression" and a longer digression?

A "quick digression" implies a brief and related departure from the main topic, while a longer digression suggests a more extended and potentially less related shift in focus. The key difference is the length and relevance of the departure.

Is "quick digression" appropriate for formal writing?

While "quick digression" is generally acceptable, consider using a more formal alternative like "brief aside" or "minor deviation" in highly formal contexts such as academic papers or professional reports. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.