a certain glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain glimpse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific or particular view or insight into something, often implying that it is not a complete or full understanding. Example: "As I walked through the museum, I caught a certain glimpse of the artist's unique style that intrigued me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I can't imagine that any of these interactive digital experiences will become classics, but they are innovative and fun and offer a certain glimpse of the near future — when collisions between video games and books mature into something commonplace, not experimental.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A certain ghastly possibility a glimpse of a stone-dead future temperament has been made potent for us.

The New Yorker

A certain ghastly possibility — a glimpse of a stone-dead future temperament — has been made potent for us.

The New Yorker

As Hagen stated, Angelou was "not yet ready to toss off the stings of prejudice, but tolerance and even a certain understanding can be glimpsed".

Wikipedia

As Hagen states, Angelou "is not yet ready to toss off the stings of prejudice, but tolerance and even a certain understanding can be glimpsed".

Wikipedia

In its unequivocal dismissal of daily discourse, Neel's remark gives one a glimpse of a certain darkness: the misanthropy and self-protective brutality that, along with more positive instincts, may be part of the commitment to being an artist.

The New York Times - Arts

"I saw glimpses of a certain pragmatism and a down-to-earth quality.

The New York Times - Style

Rex is interested, but instead of celebrating this coup, Albinus, when the book opens, is in a state of "irritation, confusion and misery" over a certain young usher he had glimpsed in a movie theatre.

The New Yorker

Roll-your-own contrarian, stooped, brown teeth, dog breath, dreams about a certain wrinkle-pussed soul mate he glimpsed being bounced from Balthazar last Sunday night with a Marlboro Light in one hand and a Schimmelpennick in the other.

The New Yorker

A bad back, a brace, a famous rocking chair, a certain stiffness in his bearing were the glimpses most Americans had of the president's health problems.

The New York Times

Internships are meant to give you a glimpse of what working in a certain company and/or industry is like.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain glimpse" when you want to convey a specific but not necessarily complete or detailed view of something. It's effective for suggesting a degree of uncertainty or incompleteness in what is observed.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain glimpse" merely to sound sophisticated. Ensure that the 'certain' adds genuine meaning by implying specificity rather than just acting as a filler word. If the glimpse isn't particularly distinct or noteworthy, a simpler phrase like "a glimpse" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain glimpse" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a partial or incomplete view, with 'certain' adding specificity to the nature of the glimpse.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain glimpse" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a specific, yet incomplete, view or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in writing. While not a highly frequent expression, it finds its place primarily in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases such as "a fleeting glimpse" or "a quick peek" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. It's important to ensure that the word "certain" adds meaningful specificity rather than serving as a mere stylistic embellishment when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A fleeting glimpse

Emphasizes the brief and transient nature of the view.

A quick peek

Suggests a fast and informal look.

A brief sighting

Focuses on the act of seeing something for a short time.

A passing glance

Highlights the casual and unintentional nature of the observation.

A partial view

Indicates that only a portion of something is visible.

An incomplete look

Implies that the observation is not thorough or comprehensive.

A limited perspective

Suggests a restricted or narrow viewpoint.

A hint of

Indicates a subtle or indirect suggestion or indication.

A taste of

Conveys a small or preliminary experience.

A shadow of

Expresses a vague or insubstantial representation.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain glimpse" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain glimpse" when describing a brief or partial view of something, implying that it's specific but not fully comprehensive. For example, "The article offered a certain glimpse into the politician's early life."

What phrases are similar to "a certain glimpse"?

Alternatives include "a fleeting glimpse", "a quick peek", or "a brief sighting". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "a certain glimpse" or "a specific glimpse"?

Both "a certain glimpse" and "a specific glimpse" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. "A certain glimpse" might suggest a slightly more subjective or less clearly defined view than "a specific glimpse".

What's the difference between "a glimpse" and "a certain glimpse"?

"A glimpse" refers to a brief look or view. Adding "certain" implies that the glimpse is particular or distinct in some way, perhaps revealing a specific aspect or characteristic. For example, "I caught a glimpse of the future" vs. "I caught a certain glimpse of the future, one filled with technological advancements."