quick perusal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick perusal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or cursory examination of something, such as a document or text. Example: "After a quick perusal of the report, I noticed several key points that needed further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A quick perusal of the pages confirmed their authenticity.

The New Yorker

But a quick perusal revealed no trace of Richard Walmesley Blair.

The Guardian - Books

A quick perusal of its sprawling menu is all but impossible.

The New York Times

A quick perusal of first-round box scores unearths the truth: curmudgeons rule.

The New York Times - Sports

A quick perusal of the high street proves the latter comment to be only half true.

The Guardian - Business

A quick perusal of the Capitol's passenger list turned up only one possible match, a C.C. Hosmer.

University of California, Berkeley

A quick perusal of posts on Bribespot reveals many items from Romania (bribing exam officials seems popular) and other European countries.

The New York Times

Thank goodness I was born in west London, not Pakistan or Nigeria, because a quick perusal of the latest edition confirms I would not make the grade.

Independent

A quick perusal of the UFC website will show you that to be an Ultimate Fighter it helps to be a) massive and b) wide-necked.

The Guardian

Before taking on the next refurbishing of the White House, the Bushes might consider a quick perusal of Ms. Monkman's book.

The New York Times - Books

And a quick perusal shows that the Fund has comprehensively obliterated the notion that this third Greek bailout will work, as it stands.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick perusal" when you want to convey a sense of a brief and not overly detailed examination of something. It's suitable when a thorough analysis isn't necessary or possible.

Common error

Avoid using "quick perusal" when describing situations that require a detailed and comprehensive review. Using it in such contexts can undermine the gravity or seriousness of the analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick perusal" functions as a noun phrase, where "quick" modifies "perusal". According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and appears in various contexts to describe a brief examination. The word "quick" acts as an adjective, specifying the nature of the perusal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick perusal" is a grammatically sound noun phrase signifying a brief examination, confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. It's versatility lends itself to diverse contexts, predominantly news and media, academia, and formal business settings. While interchangeable with phrases like "brief examination", its precise application depends on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid using it where a thorough analysis is required. As Ludwig illustrates, understanding its nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Brief examination

Focuses on the act of examining, implying a careful but short look.

Swift review

Emphasizes the speed of the assessment, rather than thoroughness.

Cursory inspection

Highlights the lack of detailed attention given during the process.

Superficial scan

Implies an even quicker and less involved assessment.

Hasty check

Underscores the urgency and potential lack of precision.

Fast overview

Suggests a general understanding is the goal, not deep analysis.

Passing glance

Highlights the brevity and casual nature of the look.

Speedy assessment

Focuses on the efficiency of evaluating something.

Light reading

Emphasizes the ease and lack of depth involved in reading the material.

Once-over

Suggests a single, rapid look at something.

FAQs

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

You can use "quick perusal" to describe a brief examination of something. For example, "After a "quick perusal" of the document, I found the error."

What are some alternatives to "quick perusal"?

Alternatives to "quick perusal" include "brief examination", "swift review", or "cursory inspection". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "quick perusal" formal or informal?

"Quick perusal" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While not overly technical, it is suitable for professional and academic contexts, but might sound unusual in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "quick perusal" and "thorough review"?

A ""quick perusal"" implies a brief and superficial look, while a "thorough review" suggests a detailed and comprehensive examination. Choose ""quick perusal"" when time is limited or a general understanding is sufficient.