scan quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scan quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to look over information or text rapidly to get a general idea or to find specific details. Example: "To save time, please scan quickly through the document and highlight any important points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"You can scan quickly within a show and jump from show to show.

The New York Times

The pictures are big enough for you to scan quickly before clicking on them for a larger view of those that look promising.

The New York Times - Tech

If you must check e-mail when you get up because there are urgent messages, scan quickly for anything that truly cannot wait an hour.

The New York Times

These are difficult to scan quickly.

Web Bloopers 60 Common Web Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The Gallery is designed to scan quickly through thumbnails of media and loads the high-resolution versions on selection, making it easy for users to quickly browse their photos and videos.

TechCrunch

They were perceived as difficult to scan quickly, not suited to clinical practice and thus only used by GPs with special interest in the area.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"If I have time I'll always read the whole paper although some of it might be scanned quickly.

The Guardian

I scanned quickly through the available faces: there was one, all scrunched up in dismay about something or other.

The Guardian - Tech

I scanned quickly, eyes sliding back and forth across the pages, reading paragraphs, excerpts, lists: I'm acting weird.

The New Yorker

Orange L.E.D. displays above the white-face analog clock aren't that helpful, either; they are too small and too far away to be scanned quickly.

The New York Times

Even when the poem is printed in the program book (as it was here), the currents of darkness and redemption that run through it make a stronger impact when it is read aloud than when it is scanned quickly in the moments before the lights go down.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When time is limited, use "scan quickly" to rapidly identify key information. For instance, "Before the meeting, scan quickly through the agenda to prioritize discussion points."

Common error

Avoid using "scan quickly" when thorough analysis is required. For example, don't say "scan quickly" through a financial report if you need to understand every detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scan quickly" functions as an instruction or description to perform a rapid visual search or review. It's often used to emphasize efficiency in processing information, aligning with Ludwig's analysis of its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scan quickly" is a grammatically sound and functional expression used to describe the action of rapidly reviewing or searching for information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is relatively low, it appears across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki. To enhance writing, remember that "scan quickly" is most effective when conveying efficiency but should be avoided when detailed analysis is necessary. Consider alternatives like "glance rapidly" or "skim swiftly" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glance rapidly

Emphasizes speed and brevity in looking over something.

skim swiftly

Focuses on a light and quick reading or review.

browse hastily

Highlights the rushed nature of the browsing process.

review briefly

Stresses the conciseness of the review.

check cursorily

Indicates a superficial and fast check.

examine fleetingly

Focuses on the short duration of the examination.

inspect briskly

Emphasizes efficiency and speed in the inspection.

peruse hastily

Highlights a quick and somewhat careless reading.

scan expeditiously

Stresses the efficiency and speed of the scanning process.

look over rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and general nature of the review.

FAQs

How can I use "scan quickly" in a sentence?

You can use "scan quickly" to describe reviewing something rapidly to get a general overview. For example, "I "scan quickly" through emails every morning to identify urgent tasks".

What's a more formal way to say "scan quickly"?

A more formal alternative to "scan quickly" could be "review briefly" or "examine cursorily", depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "scan quickly" in professional writing?

Yes, "scan quickly" is acceptable in professional writing, especially when emphasizing efficiency. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of the document.

What's the difference between "scan quickly" and "read quickly"?

"Scan quickly" implies a rapid overview to identify key information, whereas "read quickly" suggests a faster-than-normal reading pace but with more attention to detail than scanning.