quick question

USAGE SUMMARY

"Quick question" is correctly written and can be used in written English.
It is used as a phrase when you are asking a question and you want to emphasize that it is a brief or simple question. Example: Quick question, could you tell me where the nearest post office is?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Quick question," he says.

The New Yorker

QUESTION FROM IANL: Quick question.

The New Yorker

One quick question.

The New York Times

"Quick question before we start," Krasser said.

The New Yorker

It also raises a quick question.

The New York Times - Style

Quick question: how many sleeps until Christmas?

The Guardian - Opinion

Poetry Quick Question by John Ashbery (Carcanet).

The Guardian - Books

Can I ask you a quick question?" "Shoot".

The New Yorker

Quick question: is there any mahogany on stage?

The New Yorker

Quick question: Is the word FOREFRONT a redundancy?

The New York Times

We're getting older and real quick question: Do otters dream?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick question" to signal that you are about to ask something that won't take up much time. This sets expectations and helps keep the conversation concise and focused.

Common error

Avoid starting every conversation with "quick question". Overuse can make you seem less considerate of others' time, especially if your questions often turn out to be lengthy or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick question" functions as a discourse marker or preface. It's used to signal the upcoming utterance is an inquiry and to set the expectation that it will be brief. As Ludwig AI states, it emphasizes that it is a simple question.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quick question" is a very common and generally accepted way to introduce a brief inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. As evidenced by the examples, this phrase is primarily found in news and media contexts, though it sees use across a variety of registers, ranging from informal to professional. When using this phrase, be mindful of overuse and audience to ensure you are being respectful of others' time. Alternatives such as "brief inquiry" and "simple question" may be appropriate in more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A brief question

Synonymous replacement focusing on the limited duration or extent of the query.

A short question

Uses "short" as a synonym for "quick", stressing brevity.

Simple question

Emphasizes the ease and straightforwardness of the inquiry.

Small question

Uses an alternative adjective to emphasize the limited scope.

Brief inquiry

Replaces "question" with a synonym implying conciseness and directness.

I have a question

A simple statement of possessing a question.

Can I ask you something?

Directly seeks permission to ask the question, suitable for immediate interactions.

May I ask something?

Shifts from stating an intention to directly requesting permission to inquire.

If I may ask

A polite preface indicating the speaker is about to ask something.

Just wondering

Implies a casual and exploratory inquiry.

FAQs

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

You can use "quick question" to preface a brief inquiry, such as, "Quick question, do you know where the meeting is being held?" It signals that you're about to ask something simple and straightforward.

What are some alternatives to starting a conversation with "quick question"?

Alternatives include "brief inquiry", "simple question", or "may I ask something" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it always appropriate to start with "quick question"?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the context. In some formal settings, a more direct approach like "I have a question" might be more suitable. In less formal situations, "just wondering" can be an excellent alternative.

What's the difference between "quick question" and "follow-up question"?

"Quick question" introduces an initial, brief inquiry, while "follow-up question" refers to a question that arises from a previous answer or point made in the conversation. A follow-up question builds on existing dialogue.