I skimmed through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I skimmed through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of quickly reading or reviewing something, such as a document or text, without focusing on every detail. Example: "I skimmed through the report to get a general idea of the findings before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I skimmed through it.

The New Yorker

I skimmed through my photo archive, reminiscing.

The New York Times - Magazine

We got to the theater in time for the curtain and I skimmed through the playbill.

The New York Times

I skimmed through the text, noting references to the "Kopur-hedds, " "Jeph the Repudiator," "the border of Masunandicsun".

The New York Times

(To confirm my memory, I skimmed through an archive of old essays, one of which included, among many other undergraduate attempts at analysis, the phrase "literal sea of opposition").

The New Yorker

Joanna K admitted to giving in to digital distractions even while reading these two articles about digital distraction: I skimmed through them, all the while thinking about the phone in the side pocket of my backpack.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I'm obviously failing to make him comfortable so I promise I'm going to find some interesting questions, and he watches as I skim through my notes.

The Guardian - Film

Updated at 11.29am BST 10.41am BST Ipsa report - why Ipsa is recommending £74,000 As I skim through the reports, I will post the key extracts here.

The Guardian

I catch a ride at 4 15, stop for a cup of coffee and a bagel and am at my desk by 4 30 when I skim through six newspapers and log onto the Internet.

The New York Times

I just skimmed through the updates because I'm a little busy and using a tiny screen.

The Guardian

I've skimmed through the book and I had to know all that stuff at fourteen before Mother would let us girls go to the Grange dances.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context; avoid if detailed comprehension is required. For example, use "I skimmed through the contract" only if you needed a quick overview, not a detailed legal understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "I skimmed through" in situations where detailed understanding is crucial, such as describing the review of a legal document or a critical analysis. This can imply a lack of thoroughness where it's essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I skimmed through" functions as a verb phrase, where "skimmed" is the past tense of the verb "skim", indicating a past action. According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe the action of quickly reviewing a document or text.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I skimmed through" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express that you've quickly reviewed something without diving into deep detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears across a variety of reliable sources, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember to use this phrase when you want to convey a general understanding or first impression. While the phrase is useful and broadly applicable, avoid overusing it in contexts that demand a detailed or thorough analysis. Alternatives such as "I glanced through" or "I scanned through" can provide a subtle shift in meaning, allowing for a more nuanced description of your review process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I glanced through

Focuses on a brief look, implying even less attention to detail.

I scanned through

Suggests a systematic, but quick, search for specific information.

I browsed through

Implies a casual and exploratory look, often without a specific goal.

I flipped through

Emphasizes the physical act of quickly turning pages.

I ran through

Suggests a quick rehearsal or practice, or a quick review of known information.

I checked over

Implies a review to ensure correctness, perhaps checking a document.

I looked over

A more general term for examining something briefly.

I reviewed quickly

Highlights the speed of the review process.

I read cursorily

Emphasizes the lack of in-depth reading.

I superficially examined

Suggests a very basic and shallow level of scrutiny.

FAQs

What does "I skimmed through" mean?

The phrase "I skimmed through" means you quickly read or reviewed something, focusing on key points rather than every detail. It implies a cursory examination for a general understanding.

What can I say instead of "I skimmed through"?

You can use alternatives like "I glanced through", "I scanned through", or "I browsed through" depending on the context and the level of detail you want to convey.

Is "I skimmed through" formal or informal?

"I skimmed through" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in informal writing and conversation. For highly formal writing, consider alternatives that emphasize thoroughness if applicable.

How do I use "I skimmed through" in a sentence?

You can use "I skimmed through" to describe your action of quickly reviewing something. For example, "I skimmed through the report to get a general overview" or "I skimmed through the instructions before assembling the furniture".