quick observation

USAGE SUMMARY

"quick observation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have made a quick, initial assessment of a situation. For example, "My quick observation of the meeting was that it went very well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Let me just add a quick observation about Paragon's move into what it calls services.

Harvard Business Review

Just a quick observation: for the past couple of days I've been seeing in a lot of places, including comments on this blog, the assertion that federal spending has risen 37 percent under Obama — that specific number.

The New York Times

Here's how the top of the leader board stands after the opening round... -5: Z Johnson -4: Cabrera-Bello, O'Meara -3: Jimenez, D Johnson, Snedeker, Lehman, Kapur -2: Hamilton, Mickelson, Cabrera, Spieth, Woods, Molinari -1: Fisher, B Watson, Fernandez-Castano, Duke, Laird, Stenson A quick observation: there are 20 players under par.

The Guardian - Sport

— NATE SILVER One quick observation: the precincts that have reported later in the evening are showing more voters per precinct that the earlier ones, so the turnout projection is now looking slightly better for the G.O.P. Based on a linear extrapolation from the precincts counted so far, the turnout would be about about 225,000 voters.

The New York Times

— MICAH COHEN Just a quick observation based on what I'm seeing in my Twitter feed tonight: it looks like Mitt Romney's win in Michigan tonight is producing quite a strong media narrative for him, despite the results having been quite close.

The New York Times

Of the swine-flu regalia of gloves and masks he remarks: "Isn't it ironic that Michael Jackson died just as his look came into fashion?" Elsewhere, the de facto punchlines can be as slight as a quick observation, for example that the comedian is so unfit that he grunts when he plays a move at chess.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

A few quick observations.

The New Yorker

Here are three quick observations.

The Guardian

A suspect has been arrested in the Times Square bomb plot; Jeffrey Goldberg has four quick observations.

The New Yorker

It's worth a read, but I'd make three quick observations.

The Economist

All guards were required to carry notebooks, and Conover used his to jot down quick observations during the day.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick observation" to introduce a point or insight that you want to present succinctly, without getting bogged down in extensive analysis. It sets the stage for a concise and to-the-point remark.

Common error

Avoid using "quick observation" to introduce claims that require extensive justification or evidence. This phrase implies a preliminary assessment, not a definitive conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick observation" primarily functions as an introductory element, setting the stage for a concise statement or insight. It indicates that what follows is a preliminary assessment rather than an exhaustive analysis, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick observation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce a brief analysis or initial insight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially news and media, and is meant to provide a succinct assessment. When using the phrase, be mindful of overstating the significance of your claims, as it implies a preliminary rather than an exhaustive examination. Alternatives like "brief remark" or "swift assessment" can be considered for nuanced meaning, though "quick observation" remains a versatile choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief remark

This alternative emphasizes the conciseness of the statement.

swift assessment

This alternative highlights the speed at which the assessment is made.

fast analysis

This alternative implies a rapid analytical evaluation.

instant insight

This alternative underscores the immediacy and depth of understanding.

preliminary assessment

This alternative refers to an initial evaluation, often before further investigation.

initial thought

This alternative describes a first impression or idea.

passing comment

This alternative emphasizes the casual nature of the remark.

short note

This alternative refers to a brief written observation.

fleeting thought

This alternative highlights the transience of the idea.

hasty generalization

This alternative suggests an observation made too quickly, potentially leading to inaccuracy.

FAQs

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

You can use "quick observation" to introduce a brief analysis or insight. For example, "A "quick observation" suggests that the market is responding positively to the new product."

What phrases are similar to "quick observation"?

Similar phrases include "brief remark", "swift assessment", and "initial thought", which all convey a sense of immediacy or brevity.

Is "quick observation" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, using more formal alternatives like "preliminary assessment" or "initial analysis" might be more suitable for academic or professional contexts. It depends on the tone and audience.

What's the difference between "quick observation" and "in-depth analysis"?

"Quick observation" implies a superficial or initial assessment, while "in-depth analysis" suggests a thorough and comprehensive examination. They represent different levels of scrutiny and investigation.