I caught a glimpse of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I caught a glimpse of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a brief or fleeting view of something or someone. Example: "As I walked through the crowded market, I caught a glimpse of an old friend from across the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I caught a glimpse of that in Scranton.

The New Yorker

I caught a glimpse of this sexual Tyrannosaur one night.

The Guardian

And then I caught a glimpse of Caballé.

The Guardian - Books

I caught a glimpse of a man rushing from the scene.

The New York Times

Glancing skyward, I caught a glimpse of something brown flapping away.

The New Yorker

I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a supermarket window.

The New Yorker

At least I caught a glimpse of Julianna Margulies's back before I was shoved inside.

The New York Times

Prisons — Sometimes I caught a glimpse of a prison, but invariably it went by too fast.

The New Yorker

"I think I caught a glimpse of hell in it," Mr. Landry said.

The New York Times

I caught a glimpse of his face and immediately recognised it.

The Guardian

As it twisted in mid-air I caught a glimpse of the reddish-brown underwings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I caught a glimpse of" to describe a brief, often unexpected, sighting. It's ideal for conveying a sense of transience or incompleteness in what was observed.

Common error

Avoid using "I caught a glimpse of" when describing something you observed for an extended period. It implies a fleeting, incomplete view, so choose a more suitable phrase if the observation was longer or more detailed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I caught a glimpse of" functions as a verb phrase expressing a momentary visual perception. It signifies that the speaker briefly saw something, often unexpectedly or incompletely, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I caught a glimpse of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe briefly seeing something, often unexpectedly. It's suitable for various writing styles, particularly in news and media, as confirmed by Ludwig. Remember to use it accurately to convey a momentary visual experience. Alternatives like "I caught sight of" or "I briefly saw" can be used for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I caught sight of

This is a direct synonym emphasizing the action of seeing someone or something.

I briefly saw

This alternative is more straightforward and lacks the sense of suddenness implied by the original.

I took a fleeting look at

This suggests a quick and superficial view.

I noticed briefly

This emphasizes the short duration of the observation.

I had a quick look at

This implies a more intentional, though still brief, observation.

I perceived a fleeting image of

This option is more formal and emphasizes the ephemeral nature of the sighting.

I spotted

This alternative suggests a more casual and often unexpected sighting.

I happened to see

This focuses on the accidental nature of the sighting.

I discerned a trace of

This suggests seeing something subtle or indistinct.

I espied

This is an archaic term for catching sight of something, adding a touch of old-fashioned flair.

FAQs

How can I use "I caught a glimpse of" in a sentence?

Use "I caught a glimpse of" to describe briefly seeing something or someone, often unexpectedly. For example, "I caught a glimpse of the mountains through the trees".

What is a good alternative to "I caught a glimpse of"?

Alternatives include "I caught sight of", "I briefly saw", or "I had a quick look at" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I caught a glimpse of" or "I got a glimpse of"?

Both "I caught a glimpse of" and "I got a glimpse of" are correct and have very similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference, though "I caught a glimpse of" might suggest a slightly more sudden or fleeting observation.

Can "I caught a glimpse of" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "I caught a glimpse of" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It's a common and widely understood phrase, as evidenced by its use in reputable news sources.