quick to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a person or thing that is able to understand information quickly. For example, "John is an extremely intelligent student - he is quick to understand new concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Our younger child, Phoebe, 7, is so quick to understand people and so kind in her understanding that it's easy to forget she's just a child.

The New York Times

Nonacs, thankfully, was quick to understand.

The New Yorker

"Most people, when it's explained, are very quick to understand".

The New York Times

And charities are quick to understand the importance of using that fame.

The New York Times

But Min is the kind of character who is quick to understand and slow to act.

The New Yorker

He was quick to understand even a hint of a suggestion.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Of all America's politicians, Mr Ashcroft was one of the quickest to understand how fundamentally the terrorist attacks would alter the country.

The Economist

"I don't think anyone was quick enough to understand how serious the situation was.

The Guardian

It has been a brilliant campaign, an ever-changing video chain letter, quick, easy to understand, a way to feel good about yourself while dripping, briefly, in ice water during the summer's hottest days.

The New Yorker

Obviously, there is no quick fix to understand CSI.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

There is no quick fix to understand CSI.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to learn new information effectively, use "quick to understand" to emphasize their efficient comprehension. For example, "The new employee was "quick to understand" the company's policies."

Common error

While "quick to understand" is generally acceptable, in very formal writing, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "astute" or "perceptive" to enhance the tone and precision of your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick to understand" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a characteristic of being able to readily comprehend information. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound. Ludwig provides many examples of how it is used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick to understand" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjective phrase that describes someone's ability to readily grasp new information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for a wide range of writing. When looking for alternatives, consider "astute", "perceptive", or "able to quickly grasp ideas" to vary your expression. Remember to use it when emphasizing efficient comprehension, and be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to quickly grasp ideas

Changes the structure, emphasizing the ability to quickly process ideas.

quick on the uptake

Idiomatic expression with a more informal tone, implies a learning curve.

adept at grasping concepts

More formal and verbose, highlights skill in understanding.

fast learner

Focuses on the learning aspect, less about immediate understanding.

perceptive

Single word adjective that conveys a similar meaning but focuses on observation and insight.

astute

Single word adjective replacing the phrase; concise but may lack context.

picks things up easily

Informal and emphasizes ease of understanding.

sharp-witted

Hyphenated adjective emphasizing mental agility, broader than just understanding.

bright

Simple adjective, broader meaning than just understanding.

intelligent

A general term for mental capacity; lacks the speed aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "quick to understand" in a sentence?

You can use "quick to understand" to describe someone or something that easily grasps new information. For example, "She was "quick to understand" the project requirements" or "The software's interface is "quick to understand"".

What are some alternatives to "quick to understand"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "astute", "perceptive", or "able to quickly grasp ideas".

Is it better to say "quick to understand" or "quick at understanding"?

"Quick to understand" is generally preferred because it's more concise and directly expresses the ability to grasp something rapidly. "Quick at understanding" isn't incorrect, but it is less common and can sound slightly awkward.

What's the difference between "quick to understand" and "fast learner"?

"Quick to understand" emphasizes immediate comprehension, while "fast learner" focuses on the ability to learn and retain information over time. Someone who is "quick to understand" might not necessarily be a "fast learner" in all aspects of a subject.