a brief glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quick or fleeting look at something. Example: "She took a brief glance at the clock before rushing out the door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A brief glance at the history of Britain's railways shows this run is without precedent.

The Guardian - Business

A brief glance at the region shows the world can ill afford that.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this is sophistry of the worst kind, as a brief glance at Hollywood's legacy will show.

The Guardian - Books

A brief glance over his Linked In page (how declassé!) shows that he's working at Winkworths estate agents.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She opened a drawer that was a chaotic mess, gave a brief glance and slammed it shut again.

The New York Times

A brief glance at the show makes one thing clear: most of its participants are committed multitaskers.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

A very brief glance at the brand's Instagram account is even more bewildering.

Huffington Post

It reveals itself in hints and intimations, these reactionaries will say – the shadow that reminds of mortality; the sudden vista that reveals an unimagined loveliness; the brief glance that opens a new page.

The Guardian - Books

Even this brief glance backwards reveals a wide variety of views that can be called cosmopolitan.

SEP

He may not have had the money, or the logistical resources, to do what Scorsese did with "The Age of Innocence" and provide a fully furnished portrait of an era, but he deals beautifully in the brief glance and the fast-burning scene, with the best sequences lasting no longer than a pas de deux.

The New Yorker

Still, you should have remembered a few things about her from that brief glance: She's blonde.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief glance" to introduce a summary or overview of a topic, indicating that you won't delve into extensive detail.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief glance" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "a quick look" or "a passing glance" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief glance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies a quick or cursory look at something, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief glance" is a commonly used phrase that denotes a quick or superficial look. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "a quick look" or "a passing glance" for stylistic variation. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, maintaining a neutral register. Overall, "a brief glance" is a reliable way to introduce summaries or overviews, signaling that a detailed examination is not the intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A quick look

Emphasizes the speed and brevity of the observation.

A passing glance

Suggests the look was incidental or not deliberate.

A fleeting glimpse

Focuses on the very short duration of the view.

A cursory examination

Highlights the lack of thoroughness in the inspection.

A momentary peek

Emphasizes the brief and often secretive nature of the look.

A swift survey

Implies a rapid overview of something.

A rapid scan

Conveys a sense of quickly searching for something.

A short inspection

Indicates a limited amount of time was spent examining something.

A fast check

Focuses on the speed and purpose of the observation.

A superficial observation

Highlights the lack of depth in the examination.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief glance" to indicate a quick look or overview. For example: "A brief glance at the data reveals a significant increase in sales." or "After "a brief glance at the menu", he decided what to order".

What phrases are similar to "a brief glance"?

Similar phrases include "a quick look", "a cursory examination", or "a fleeting glimpse". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a brief glance" in formal writing?

Yes, "a brief glance" is generally appropriate in formal writing, especially when introducing a summary or overview. However, consider "a cursory examination" if you wish to emphasize a lack of thoroughness.

What's the difference between "a brief glance" and "a long look"?

"A brief glance" implies a very short, quick look, while "a long look" suggests a more extended and careful observation. The choice depends on how much attention was given to the subject.