What is quick? Pronunciation and usage in English

quick means . Learn how to pronounce and use quick through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of quick

quickadjective

/kwɪk/
Definition & pronunciation of quick

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "quick" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The basic pronunciation is:

  • /kwɪk/

Let's break that down further:

  • "kw" - This is pronounced like "qu" in "queen." It's a single, quick sound.
  • "i" - This is pronounced like the "i" in "bit" or "sit." A short, crisp "i" sound.
  • "k" - This is the same "k" sound as in "kite."

Here's a breakdown of where to put your mouth:

  1. Start with your lips: Make a small "ooh" shape (as if you're going to say "food").
  2. Tongue position: The tip of your tongue should be raised slightly towards the roof of your mouth, but not touching. It's a relaxed, forward position.
  3. Sound: Say "kw" quickly, then immediately say the short "i" sound.

Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overemphasize the "quick": It's a very quick word! It's meant to be snappy.
  • Avoid sounding like "quick-ick": Many learners add an extra "ick" sound, which is incorrect.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "quick" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/quick/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce quick" on YouTube – you'll find many videos demonstrating the sound.

To summarize: kwɪk - Short, quick, and crisp!

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Usage and examples with the word quick in English

Let's break down how to use the word "quick" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your speech and writing.

1. Meaning: Fast or Rapid

  • Most Common Use: This is the primary meaning – meaning something happens or moves with speed.
    • Example: "The cheetah is a very quick runner." (fast)
    • Example: “We need a quick solution to this problem.” (rapid)
    • Example: “He’s a quick learner.” (learns rapidly)

2. Meaning: Prompt or Swift

  • Similar to Fast: This emphasizes doing something without delay.
    • Example: "I’ll send you a quick email." (I'll send it promptly)
    • Example: “She’s a quick dresser.” (She gets ready quickly)

3. Meaning: Clever or Sharp (Informal)

  • Informal and often suggests intelligence: This is a more nuanced use.
    • Example: "He’s a quick thinker." (He's clever and able to come up with ideas fast.)
    • Example: “She's a quick wit.” (She's funny and clever with her remarks.)
    • Example: "That was a quick response!" (That was a clever/smart answer.)

4. Adjective vs. Adverb

  • Adjective: Describes a noun (e.g., "a quick car").
  • Adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb (e.g., "He ran quickly," "She is very quick," "He spoke remarkably quickly").

Here's a breakdown of how to use "quick" as an adverb:

  • quickly: This is the adverb form of "quick." It describes how something is done.
    • Example: "She finished the project quickly." (She completed it rapidly.)

Tips & Considerations:

  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms for variety: fast, rapid, prompt, speedy, swift, immediate.
  • Context is Key: The meaning of "quick" often depends on the situation.
  • Don't Overuse: Using "quick" excessively can make your writing sound repetitive.

Examples in Sentences (Combining Different Uses):

  • "The quick rabbit darted across the field." (Fast)
  • “Let’s find a quick way to fix this.” (Rapid solution)
  • "He was a quick thinker and solved the puzzle immediately." (Clever and prompt)
  • "She's a quick student, always grasping new concepts easily." (Clever/intelligent)
  • "He responded quickly to the challenge." (Promptly)

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a story, an email, a description)
  • Is there a specific sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word quick

Idioms of the word quick

be quick/fast on the draw
(informal)to be quick to understand or react in a new situation
  • You can't fool him—he's always quick on the draw.
to be quick at pulling out a gun in order to shoot it
    be quick/slow on the uptake
    (informal)to be quick/slow to understand something
    • Is he always this slow on the uptake?
    have a quick/short temper
    to become angry easily
      make a fast/quick buck
      (informal, often disapproving)to earn money quickly and easily
      • This is a long-term project. We are not out to make a quick buck.
      quick and dirty
      (informal)used to describe something that is usually complicated, but is being done quickly and simply in this case
      • Read our quick-and-dirty guide to creating a website.
      quick/slow off the mark
      fast/slow in reacting to a situation
      • If you’re quick off the mark in answering these questions, you could win a prize.
      • The government was slow off the mark in responding to the crisis.

      Practice with vocabulary quick

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. Given the tight deadline, a _______ decision was essential to keep the project on track.
      2. The management requested a _______ response to the client's query, aiming for resolution within the hour.
      3. For effective crisis management, a _______ action plan needs to be formulated and communicated to all stakeholders without delay.
      4. The consultant provided a _______ analysis of the market trends, highlighting key opportunities for growth.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. Which of the following words best describes a response delivered with minimal delay? a) leisurely b) swift c) drawn-out d) quick e) immediate

      2. To handle unexpected system errors, IT support needs a _______ troubleshooting guide. a) rapid b) ponderous c) slow d) exhaustive e) quick

      3. When presenting complex data, a _______ summary can effectively convey the main points to a time-constrained audience. a) comprehensive b) brief c) extensive d) prolonged e) instant

      4. The board expects a _______ resolution to the ongoing dispute, prioritizing efficiency and fairness. a) delayed b) gradual c) prompt d) elaborate

      5. After the initial setback, the team made _______ progress, catching up on the project timeline within weeks. a) sluggish b) negligible c) rapid d) steady

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The manager asked for an explanation that could be understood without much difficulty. (Rewrite using a form of "quick")
      2. Her ability to learn new software applications in a very short time is a valuable asset. (Rewrite using a form of "quick")
      3. The company needs to make choices without any delay to stay competitive in the market. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement for "quick")

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. Given the tight deadline, a quick decision was essential to keep the project on track.
      2. The management requested a quick response to the client's query, aiming for resolution within the hour.
      3. For effective crisis management, a rapid action plan needs to be formulated and communicated to all stakeholders without delay.
      4. The consultant provided a thorough analysis of the market trends, highlighting key opportunities for growth.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. b) swift, d) quick, e) immediate
      2. a) rapid, e) quick
      3. b) brief, e) instant
      4. c) prompt
      5. c) rapid

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The manager asked for a quick explanation.
      2. Her quick ability to learn new software applications is a valuable asset. / She is a quick learner of new software applications, which is a valuable asset.
      3. The company needs to make prompt choices to stay competitive in the market.

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