I glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I glance" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to quickly look at something or someone. It is typically used to describe a brief, casual observation. Example: I glance at my watch and realize I am running late for my meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I glance behind us.

The New York Times

I glance at the clock.

The New York Times

I glance nervously around.

The Guardian

I glance down.

The Guardian

I glance at Jessie.

The Guardian

I glance at her.

The Guardian - Travel

I glance around the room.

The New York Times - Magazine

I glance anxiously at it.

The Guardian

I glance at the guide.

The Guardian - Travel

Ken and I glance at one another.

The Guardian

I glance anxiously inside the atrium.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I glance" to depict a fleeting or casual observation without sustained attention. It's effective for conveying a sense of immediacy or disinterest.

Common error

Avoid using "I glance" repetitively in descriptive passages. Vary your sentence structure by incorporating alternative verbs like "notice", "observe", or "spot" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I glance" is as a verb phrase where 'I' serves as the subject and 'glance' acts as the verb, indicating a quick look. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. The examples show its use in describing a momentary visual action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I glance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the numerous examples illustrate its versatility in conveying quick or casual visual observations. While it is advisable to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons, it remains a reliable and effective way to depict a brief look. Alternative phrases like "I peek" or "I glimpse" can provide nuanced variations. Overall, "I glance" is a solid choice for describing a fleeting visual moment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I take a quick look

More explicit and literal way to describe the action of glancing.

I cast a glance

More formal and literary way to express glancing.

I glimpse

Highlights catching a brief or incomplete view of something.

I shot a look

Implies a quick, often meaningful, look at someone or something.

I peek

Emphasizes a furtive or quick look, often to avoid being seen.

I peep

Suggests looking through a small opening or from a hidden place.

I scan

Suggests a methodical and rapid look over an area.

I survey

Implies a more comprehensive and attentive look.

I observe

Focuses on watching something carefully and attentively.

I notice

Emphasizes becoming aware of something visually.

FAQs

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

The phrase "I glance" is used to describe a quick or brief look at something. For example, "I glance at the clock" suggests a brief check of the time.

What are some alternatives to "I glance"?

You can use alternatives like "I peek", "I glimpse", or "I take a quick look" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I glanced"?

Yes, "I glanced" is the past tense form of "I glance" and is used to describe a quick look that occurred in the past. For example, "I glanced at my phone when it vibrated".

What's the difference between "I glance" and "I stare"?

"I glance" implies a quick, often casual look, while "I stare" suggests a prolonged, fixed gaze. The choice depends on whether the action is brief or sustained.