Brief look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Brief look" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to indicate a quick or short examination of something. Example: "After a brief look at the report, I noticed several errors." Alternative expressions include "quick glance" and "short review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We had a brief look at it.

Independent

Here's a brief look behind the uproar.

The New York Times

A brief look back can explain why.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Then, there's a brief look of shock.

The New York Times

Here is a quick and brief look back and ahead.

The New York Times

Take a brief look at HUD's budget, for example.

The New York Times

Lastly, there is a brief look at disorders of growth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here is a brief look at yesterday's major decisions.

The New York Times

The brief look that passed between us has stayed with me".

Independent

Here's a brief look at the top 12 according to Metacritic, not including re-releases.

Independent

Later he exchanges a brief look of near recognition with the boy who cherished him.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief look" when you want to emphasize the concise and rapid nature of an examination, particularly when the details aren't essential.

Common error

Avoid using "brief look" when a thorough investigation is required. This phrase implies a superficial assessment, which may not be appropriate in all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Brief look" functions as a noun phrase, where "brief" modifies the noun "look". This phrase typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its common usage in introducing a summary or overview.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Brief look" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for denoting a quick examination or overview. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's prevalent in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, remember to reserve it for situations where a superficial assessment suffices, and consider alternatives like "quick glance" or "cursory examination" for nuanced meanings. Be aware of common writing errors. With an expert rating of 4.6, this phrase proves a reliable choice for expressing brevity in observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Quick glance

Emphasizes the speed and superficiality of the examination.

Short inspection

Highlights the act of inspecting, implying a more deliberate observation, though still brief.

Cursory examination

Suggests a lack of thoroughness or detail in the assessment.

Fast observation

Stresses the rapidity of the act of observing something.

Swift peek

Conveys a quick and furtive look.

Hasty glimpse

Implies the look was hurried, possibly due to time constraints.

Passing view

Highlights that the view was transient or fleeting.

Once-over

Suggests a swift, comprehensive check.

Perfunctory scan

Indicates that the scan was carried out as a matter of routine or duty, without genuine interest.

Superficial survey

Implies that the investigation lacked depth and detail.

FAQs

How can I use "Brief look" in a sentence?

You can use "Brief look" to describe a quick examination, for example: "Here's a brief look at the top 12 according to Metacritic, not including re-releases."

What are some alternatives to "Brief look"?

You can use alternatives such as "quick glance", "short inspection", or "cursory examination" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Brief look" versus "Thorough examination"?

"Brief look" is suitable when a superficial assessment is sufficient, while "Thorough examination" implies a detailed and comprehensive analysis. The choice depends on the required level of scrutiny.

Is "Brief look at" grammatically correct?

Yes, "Brief look at" is grammatically correct and commonly used, for example: "A brief look at present-day Hong Kong will quickly elucidate this point."