quick listen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick listen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief audio experience, such as a podcast or song, that one can engage with in a short amount of time. Example: "If you have a few minutes, I recommend giving this podcast a quick listen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Worth a quick listen.

The Guardian

A quick listen, a quick retreat, and then back again.

Independent

She had a quick listen at the door.

The Guardian - Music

Then again, a quick listen to the late great Lesley Gore might just work its magic.

The Guardian - Music

I had a quick listen to the other genre-mixing Prom – the Urban Prom on iPlayer: Laura Mvula's performance worked beautifully, the gorgeously sentimental orchestra showcasing her voice.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I know some guitarists can tune to the sound of overhead fluorescent lights and still others are OK with a quick listen to a digital tuner.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

To bounce back quicker, listen to my podcast, Let's Talk Heartbreak, which will be relaunched in the summer.

Vice

The industry seems to be converging on a $5/month all you can eat streaming price for browser based streaming, and $10/month for mobile access, including downloads for quicker listening.

TechCrunch

It's not that expensive — $60 for early birds — and it's a fun party trick, or something to have at a music store for quick listens.

TechCrunch

Sometimes I had a different play in mind than he had, and he was quick to listen and try it.

The New York Times

A quick first listen while doing a million other things suggests that it's a better album than the first volume, which was released during the summer.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick listen" when you want to suggest that engaging with the audio content requires minimal time investment from the listener.

Common error

While "quick listen" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language, such as "brief auditory analysis" or "cursory hearing" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick listen" functions as a noun phrase, where "quick" modifies the noun "listen". It describes the act of listening briefly. As confirmed by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Music

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick listen" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a brief auditory experience. Ludwig's analysis indicates its usage spans various contexts, including news, music, and general recommendations, making it a versatile expression. It's appropriate to use when suggesting that audio content requires little time commitment, though more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or highly professional settings. Common alternatives include "brief listen" and "short listen". Remember to tailor your choice based on the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief listen

Emphasizes the short duration of the listening experience.

short listen

Similar to "brief listen", highlighting the limited time commitment.

fast listen

Focuses on the speed at which one can listen.

speedy listen

Synonymous with "fast listen", emphasizing quickness.

swift listen

Similar to "fast listen", indicating a rapid auditory experience.

rapid listen

Like "swift listen", stresses the speed of the listening.

cursory listen

Suggests a superficial or not very thorough listening.

fleeting listen

Highlights the transient nature of the listening experience.

casual listen

Suggests a relaxed and informal listening experience.

easy listen

Indicates that the content is simple and doesn't require much effort to understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "quick listen" to describe a short auditory experience, such as "Give the song a "quick listen" and tell me what you think" or "It's worth a "quick listen" if you have a moment".

What is a good alternative to "quick listen"?

Alternatives to "quick listen" include "brief listen", "short listen", or "cursory listen", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "quick listen" is generally understood, it may be more appropriate to use alternatives like "brief review" or "cursory examination" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

What does "quick listen" imply about the depth of engagement?

"Quick listen" suggests a superficial or not very thorough engagement with the audio content. If you want to convey a more in-depth experience, avoid using "quick listen".