A passing glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A passing glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or brief look at something without much attention or detail. Example: "As she walked by, he caught her eye with a passing glance, but she didn't notice him at all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A passing glance at the six-decade career of Jean Baptiste "Toots" Thielemans, who has died aged 94, suggests a quirky contrarian more than a sophisticated musical virtuoso.

The Guardian - Music

Not one gave more than a passing glance.

Princeton University

No one gave them more than a passing glance.

The New York Times

Not just a passing glance, but a really serious inspection?

The Guardian - Money

Mr. De Vincenzo deserves more than a passing glance because his technique seems extraordinarily mature.

The New York Times

You get to linger over things that previously might have merited only a passing glance.

The New York Times - Travel

The case containing their pieces merits more than a passing glance.

The New York Times

As to the other concerns, he said, the report "doesn't even give it a passing glance".

The New York Times

Not that any of the young lions gives the views more than a passing glance.

The New York Times - Travel

No, because actually I look very dissimilar to Bill Nighy up close, but at a passing glance it has happened.

The Guardian

You could call it a steal, except that few auction punters would give it more than a passing glance — hence its modest performance.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passing glance" to indicate that something or someone received only a minimal amount of attention or consideration. It implies a lack of thoroughness or interest.

Common error

Avoid using "a passing glance" when you mean to convey that something was carefully examined or thoroughly considered. This phrase specifically indicates a brief and superficial look.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing glance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'give a passing glance'). According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use to denote a brief or superficial look.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a passing glance" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to describe a brief or superficial look at something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile and applicable across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and academic writing. The phrase indicates a lack of thoroughness or detailed attention. When writing, use "a passing glance" when you wish to convey that something or someone received only minimal scrutiny. Be careful not to confuse it with sustained attention. Alternatives such as "a brief look" or "a quick glimpse" can be used to emphasize different aspects of the fleeting look.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A brief look

Emphasizes the short duration of the look.

A cursory look

Highlights the lack of thoroughness in the look.

A quick glimpse

Stresses the speed of the look.

A fleeting view

Focuses on the momentary nature of the view.

A casual observation

Indicates a lack of focused attention.

A superficial inspection

Highlights the lack of depth in the inspection.

A swift scan

Emphasizes the rapid and broad nature of the look.

A momentary peek

Focuses on the brief and secretive nature of the look.

A short observation

Indicates a reduced time frame in observing.

A hasty look

Highlights the hurried nature of the look.

FAQs

How can I use "A passing glance" in a sentence?

You can use "A passing glance" to describe a brief or superficial look. For example, "He gave the document only "a passing glance" before signing it."

What can I say instead of "A passing glance"?

Alternatives include "a brief look", "a quick glimpse", or "a cursory look", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to give something "A passing glance"?

To give something "A passing glance" means to look at it quickly and without much attention or detailed examination. It implies a superficial assessment.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "A passing glance"?

It's appropriate to use "A passing glance" when you want to emphasize that something was not given significant attention or scrutiny. For example, "The report received only "a passing glance" from the committee members."