A backward glance at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A backward glance at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when reflecting on past events or experiences, often in a nostalgic or analytical context. Example: "In her memoir, she takes a backward glance at her childhood and the lessons she learned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A backward glance at the school's troubles holds little interest for Mr. DeVore, 54, who sees spilt milk as cause for mopping, not tears.

The New York Times

But the "Book of Household Management" rolled on, without a backward glance at the lurid denouements of its creators.

The New York Times - Books

In Un Homme de passage, Serge Doubrovsky cast a backward glance at his life's path and reflected on the women who accompanied him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The film's "rondo of love" represents both a backward glance at the best of the past and a forward glance into the cinema's future.

The Guardian - Film

As Page waits to testify before a Senate subcommittee, in a proper dress and gloves, we get a backward glance at her life.

The New Yorker

Without so much as a backward glance at those interpretations, Christopher Nolan put the Batman narrative unapologetically into a vein of almost Wagnerian seriousness.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Historical Society's exhibit titled "Eat, Drink and Be Wary--A Backward Glance at Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics Before the Protective Acts of 50 Years Ago".

The New Yorker

William knows that there is no call for a backward glance as he leaves Oxenhope.

The New Yorker

A BACKWARD GLANCE WASHINGTON -- At a press conference Monday, U.S. Retro Secretary Anson Williams issued a strongly worded warning of an imminent "national retro crisis," cautioning that "if current levels of U.S. retro consumption are allowed to continue unchecked, we may run entirely out of past by as soon as 2005".

The New York Times - Magazine

A backward glance might have saved us the steep disappointment of Hillary Clinton's 2016 loss.

The New Yorker

With Trilling's help, Kirsch transforms a backward glance into a forward step.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A backward glance at" when you want to provide context or understanding based on past events or experiences.

Common error

Don't use "A backward glance at" when the context requires a focus on future developments or forward-looking strategies. Use it primarily for retrospective analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A backward glance at" functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for a retrospective analysis or review. It often precedes a noun or noun phrase that represents the subject being examined, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A backward glance at" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a retrospective analysis or review of a particular subject. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, especially in news and media. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences, and it serves the purpose of providing context or offering new insights by examining the past. Remember to use it when a retrospective approach is needed and avoid it when the focus should be on future developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Looking back on

Focuses on the act of remembering and reflecting on past events.

Reviewing the past

Emphasizes a systematic examination of what has occurred.

Reflecting on

Highlights thoughtful consideration of past experiences.

In retrospect

Indicates understanding or realization after the event has passed.

Considering the history of

Suggests a detailed analysis of historical developments.

Examining previous

Focuses on a close inspection of prior actions or events.

A retrospective view of

Implies a comprehensive survey of a past period or subject.

Taking stock of the past

Emphasizes an assessment of past achievements or failures.

Analyzing bygone

Indicates a detailed analysis of past eras or events.

Recollecting

Simply means remembering something from the past.

FAQs

How can I use "A backward glance at" in a sentence?

You can use "A backward glance at" to introduce a review or reflection on past events. For example, "A backward glance at the company's history reveals several key turning points".

What can I say instead of "A backward glance at"?

You can use alternatives like "looking back on", "reviewing the past", or "reflecting on" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "A backward glance at"?

It's appropriate when you want to provide context or understanding based on past events or experiences. It's best used when analyzing or reflecting on something that has already happened.

What's the difference between "A backward glance at" and "looking forward to"?

"A backward glance at" implies a review of the past, while "looking forward to" refers to anticipation of future events. They are opposite in terms of temporal focus.