quick moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief period of time, often in the context of asking for or offering a short pause or delay. Example: "Can you hold on for a quick moment while I grab my notes?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

HuffPost

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"There's always that quick moment when you feel that way," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

One evening in January, Crawford got a text from Moret, asking whether she had a quick moment.

The Washington Post

Stay tuned for one quick moment and we'll have a picture of the first lady's fun attire.

The Guardian

Alexa P: Let's take a quick moment and rap about some singers, At the VMA's Lady Gaga was quite a winner.

The New York Times

Still, in that quick moment at the finish line, there was no disappointment in not winning — just relief, gratitude and admiration.

The Washington Post

Daniel Boulud gives them a quick moment in a skillet, then mixes them with a salad of tropical fruit and crisp vegetables like fennel.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Quick moments of attempted reason are followed by hard battlefield decisions.

The Washington Post

Somehow, during those quick moments, as Alan S. Cowell explains in this engaging work of investigative reporting, Litvinenko "had begun to die".

The New York Times - Books

So it is an enormous shame that the novel's second half squanders in quick moments what was slowly accumulated in the first half's careful pages.

The New Yorker

To lift a quote from the page wouldn't do justice to the way these quick moments fit within the rest of the text.

The Guardian - Books

The absurdity can be spotted in quick moments: A Los Angeles Police Department bomb squad officer was kept out because he didn't have a credential, while a woman with celebrity Wolfgang Puck scooted through.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick moment" when you need to politely request someone's attention or a brief delay. For example, "Can I have a "quick moment" of your time?"

Common error

Avoid using "quick moment" in very formal settings, such as legal documents or academic papers. Opt for more precise language, like "brief period" or "short interval" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick moment" functions as a noun phrase, where "quick" modifies the noun "moment". It is commonly used to indicate a brief span of time or a short opportunity. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

HuffPost

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Vice

8%

Los Angeles Times

8%

Forbes

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick moment" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a brief period or instant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English and serves to politely request or offer a short amount of time. While versatile, it's best reserved for neutral to informal contexts; formal settings may require alternatives like "brief period". Predominantly found in News & Media and general online content, this phrase offers a practical way to signal brevity and immediacy in communication. By understanding its nuances and appropriate applications, you can effectively integrate "quick moment" into your writing for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief pause

Emphasizes the interruption or cessation of activity.

brief period

Stresses the limited duration of the timeframe.

short interval

Focuses on the limited amount of time.

short while

Indicates a relatively short amount of time.

fleeting instant

Highlights the transient nature of the time period.

split second

Implies an extremely short duration, almost instantaneous.

passing phase

Suggests something that is temporary or not lasting.

small window

Highlights a limited opportunity in time.

transient episode

Highlights the fleeting and insubstantial nature of the event.

momentary lapse

Focuses on a brief interruption or deviation.

FAQs

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

You can use "quick moment" to ask for a brief pause or someone's brief attention. For example, "Could I have a "quick moment" to explain this?" or "Please wait a "quick moment" while I find the file."

What can I say instead of "quick moment"?

You can use alternatives like "brief pause", "short interval", or "short period" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "quick moment" in professional emails?

Yes, "quick moment" is generally acceptable in professional emails, especially when requesting a short amount of someone's time or attention. However, consider the formality of the context; in very formal communication, alternatives such as "brief period" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "quick moment" and "split second"?

"Split second" implies a very short, almost instantaneous duration, while ""quick moment"" refers to a brief but noticeable amount of time, longer than a split second. For example, a split second decision, against taking a "quick moment" to reflect.