quick explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"quick explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to provide a brief explanation about a topic. For example, "The test was difficult, but the teacher provided a quick explanation of the material before starting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

So here's a quick explanation.

The Guardian - Opinion

As teammates saw him crying, he cracked a quick explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't want to give a quick explanation," Bishop Murphy said.

The New York Times

The quick explanation for such political transvestism is that Russia's quadrennial election season has begun.

The New York Times

Let me give you a quick explanation of why I think it's a fairly minor factor.

The New York Times

First, a quick explanation from the filmmakers as to why they were not included in the show.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Scott had these quick explanations for the defensive breakdowns: "Lack of concentration, lack of focus, maybe even lack of discipline," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, and French president, François Hollande, demanded quick explanations from Washington about disclosures by the Guardian and Der Spiegel that US agencies bugged European embassies and offices.

The Guardian

There's plenty of international info, and U.S. company reports contain a useful decipher feature that gives you quick explanations of mathematical predictions.

Forbes

You'll walk outside and see things differently because you have to look hard to learn to paint," she says between strokes and quick explanations of values, masses, contrast, shadow and complementary colors.

Forbes

He shared stories of his travels, he offered quick explanations of his philosophies and he tendered opinions on world events.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical documentation or tutorials, using a "quick explanation" can help to orient users before diving deeper into complex concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "quick explanation" as a substitute for thorough analysis when detailed understanding is required. Ensure the brevity doesn't sacrifice clarity or accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "quick" modifies the noun "explanation". It's used to introduce or refer to a brief account of something. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick explanation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to introduce a brief overview or summary of a topic. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is particularly prevalent in News & Media. While it's generally neutral in tone, the formality can shift based on the context. When using this phrase, ensure brevity does not compromise accuracy. For alternatives, consider "brief elucidation" or "short exposition" to suit different levels of formality. Remember to avoid using the "quick explanation" as a substitute for thorough analysis when detailed understanding is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief elucidation

Replaces "quick explanation" with more formal vocabulary.

concise account

Offers a similar meaning using different word choices.

short exposition

Uses synonyms to replace both "quick" and "explanation".

summary overview

Emphasizes the summarizing nature of the explanation.

compact breakdown

Suggests a structured and simplified explanation.

abridged version

Implies a shortened form of a longer explanation.

fast briefing

Highlights the brevity of the information provided.

speedy rundown

Informal alternative emphasizing speed.

thumbnail sketch

Uses a metaphor to convey brevity.

nutshell description

Idiomatic phrase indicating a very brief summary.

FAQs

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

You can introduce a brief overview with the phrase "quick explanation", like in, "Here's a "quick explanation" of the key concepts."

What are some alternatives to "quick explanation"?

Alternatives include "brief elucidation", "short exposition", or "concise account" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "quick explanation"?

It's appropriate when introducing a topic that requires a brief overview, or when summarizing complex information in a simplified manner.

What should I avoid when using "quick explanation"?

Avoid using it as a replacement for comprehensive analysis when detailed information is necessary. Make sure the "quick explanation" doesn't compromise the information's accuracy.