quick flash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick flash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or sudden occurrence, often in the context of light or an idea. Example: "The quick flash of lightning illuminated the night sky for just a moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"He's burning alcohol with a quick flash point, a split second of flame.

The New York Times - Food

A quick flash to Obama saying confidently: "The private sector is doing fine".

The Guardian - Opinion

In one quick flash each went for an eye and sucked it out.

The New York Times - Books

What better excuse for a quick flash of popular culture's 10 most iconic undies moments?

The Guardian - Arts

Entering Cuba from Canada, on the other hand, usually entails just a quick flash of a passport.

The New York Times - Travel

I had never heard of bio-identical hormones – and a quick flash round the internet confused me.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

On a clear day, you can see modernity -- or much of it -- in quick flashes of time and space.

The New York Times - Arts

The men and women in the experiment, after being primed with quick flashes of words like "lust" and "kiss," were shown a series of photographs and other images.

The New York Times - Science

As Mr. Sabry explains, the Shafiq ad "begins by showing quick flashes of what has happened throughout the year, with a focus on the 'chaos' and uncertainty".

The New York Times

He envisioned low lighting, quick flashes of red, blue and green, glow sticks, drummers, a cramped track, violence and microphones everywhere.

The New York Times - Sports

The United States is glimpsed only in quick flashes of an armored convoy, or by the worn edges of a few American novels in the booksellers market on Mutanabbi Street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick flash" to describe something that happens suddenly and briefly, especially a light or image. For instance, "A quick flash of lightning illuminated the landscape."

Common error

Avoid using "quick flash" when a more specific term like "glimpse" or "flicker" would be more accurate. "Quick flash" is best suited for instantaneous occurrences, not prolonged or repeated events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick flash" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "quick" modifies the noun "flash". This construction typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI reports, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quick flash" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that happens suddenly and briefly, especially in the context of light or visual perception. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Its frequency is classified as "very common", with prominent usage in news and media, as well as wiki sources. While versatile, it's important to consider context and choose more precise terms like "brief glimpse" when appropriate. When using this phrase you should aim to give the idea of immediacy and transience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

swift flash

Replaces "quick" with "swift", emphasizing speed and suddenness.

brief glimpse

Focuses on the visual aspect of a short viewing experience, replacing the more general term "flash".

fleeting moment

Shifts the focus to the temporality, highlighting the brevity of an event or experience.

instantaneous burst

Emphasizes the sudden and immediate nature of something happening.

split-second view

Highlights the extremely short duration of a visual perception.

rapid flicker

Implies an unsteady or wavering light or image, rather than a single occurrence.

passing image

Focuses on the transience of a visual representation.

short burst

Emphasizes a sudden and brief release of energy or activity.

momentary gleam

Refers specifically to a brief and radiant light.

transient spark

Implies a brief and insubstantial indication of something, such as an idea or feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "quick flash" to describe something that appears or happens suddenly and briefly, like "The photographer used a quick flash to capture the moment" or "I saw a quick flash of light in the distance".

What are some alternatives to "quick flash"?

Alternatives include "brief glimpse", "fleeting moment", or "instantaneous burst", depending on the context.

Is "quick flash" formal or informal language?

"Quick flash" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more descriptive alternatives might be preferred in academic or highly formal writing.

What does "quick flash" typically describe?

"Quick flash" is commonly used to describe brief visual events, sudden bursts of light, or fleeting moments of insight. It emphasizes the speed and brevity of the occurrence.