quick nibble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick nibble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of food consumed quickly or to refer to a brief snack. Example: "I just need a quick nibble before the meeting starts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Do I need a quick nibble with cocktails?

The New York Times

Grabbing a quick nibble between meals?

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Of course, enjoying a quick toe nibble from time to time isn't really a fetish it's built into our neurology.

Vice

Of course, enjoying a quick toe nibble from time to time isn't really a fetish – it's built into our neurology.

Vice

Vietnam is full of quick, fresh, readily available nibbles, and many people eat four or five mini-meals every day.

The New York Times - Food

The healthy-eating gurus will deliver any of a vast selection of nuts, nibbles and quick bites direct to the recipient's home or office throughout the year.

Independent

Take water to drink (in an insulated bottle) and quick sources of energy to nibble on, such as quality chocolate, fruit bars, candy (sweets) or other snacks that are easy to undo in the cold air.

WikiHow

If you notice the pink jersey just has a panel for the Astana logo and colours - printing a new one for when Cuddles takes over from Nibbles would be quick and easy".

The Guardian - Sport

Even when the restaurant is crowded with besuited businessmen gobbling a quick hamburger lunch, you can usually find a few foodie tourists nibbling on the horseradish-tinged potato salad and having a Culinary Experience.

Los Angeles Times

With the organs all nicely boiled, the revelers gather round a table for a quick, meaty snack ( ovar), and as their honored guest, I'm treated to a generous nibble tray of liver, kidney, pancreas and heart.

Vice

With the organs all nicely boiled, the revelers gather round a table for a quick, meaty snack ( ovar), and as their honored guest, I'm treated to a generous nibble tray of liver, kidney, pancreas, and heart.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick nibble" when you want to emphasize both the small quantity of food and the speed at which it's consumed. It's ideal for situations where time is limited.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "quick nibble" might sound too informal for business or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "light snack" or "small repast" in such contexts to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick nibble" functions as a noun phrase describing a small, fast snack. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct way to refer to consuming a small amount of food rapidly. The provided examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science & Research

50%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick nibble" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe eating a small amount of food quickly. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable in written English. While it's more suitable for informal or neutral contexts, alternatives like "light snack" are preferable in formal writing. Its usage is relatively rare, as indicated by the limited number of examples. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science & Research sources, the phrase emphasizes efficiency and small portion size.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small bite

Focuses on the size of the portion.

light snack

Emphasizes the lightness of the meal.

brief snack

Highlights the short duration of the snack.

little bite

Simple and direct, focusing on the small size.

small repast

A more formal way to describe a small meal.

hasty bite

Implies the snack is eaten rapidly.

fleeting snack

Similar to 'brief snack', but slightly more poetic.

swift bite

Conveys the speed of eating.

fast snack

Highlights the speed with which the snack is consumed.

small appetizer

Suggests a small portion served before a meal.

FAQs

What does "quick nibble" mean?

A "quick nibble" refers to eating a small amount of food quickly, often when one is short on time or only wants a small snack.

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

You might say, "I just need a "quick nibble" before the meeting starts" or "She grabbed a "quick nibble" between classes to keep her energy up."

What are some alternatives to "quick nibble"?

Alternatives include "light snack", "small bite", or "brief snack". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "quick nibble" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "quick nibble" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using "light snack" or "small repast" instead.