a cursory glance

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cursory glance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a brief and superficial look at something. For example, "I gave the document a cursory glance before signing it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A cursory glance at human history suggests otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

A cursory glance at his oeuvre suggests not.

The Guardian

The brooch is clearly original, even at a cursory glance.

The New York Times - Style

A cursory glance might suggest not much yet all have deeply irked Israel.

Independent

This, Lev Sercarz made clear, was but a cursory glance at the syllabus to Pepper 101.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sushi chefs roaming the Tokyo fish market can appraise a bluefin steak with a cursory glance.

The New York Times

That becomes clear after a cursory glance at the labels of many gluten-free products.

The New Yorker

A cursory glance at the latest FIFA rankings would corroborate this assessment.

The New York Times

A cursory glance at almost any current music publication shows male writers still vastly outnumbering females.

Independent

He was a lone white boy whom no one gave more than a cursory glance.

The New Yorker

At a cursory glance the website of Alistair Andrews Communications looked convincing enough.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cursory glance" when you want to indicate that something was only given a brief and not very thorough examination. It's suitable for situations where a detailed analysis isn't necessary or possible.

Common error

Avoid using "a cursory glance" when a thorough and detailed analysis is expected or needed. It might imply a lack of seriousness or attention to detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cursory glance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a preposition (e.g., "at a cursory glance") or as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows that it describes the act of quickly and superficially examining something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cursory glance" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes a quick and superficial examination. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various writing contexts, particularly in news, academic, and professional settings. While it's a useful phrase, remember to avoid using it in situations where a more thorough analysis is needed. Consider alternatives like "a quick look" or "a brief survey" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, further validating its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick look

Emphasizes speed and brevity, suggesting even less attention than "a cursory glance".

a hasty scan

Emphasizes the speed and potential incompleteness of the review.

a casual observation

Stresses the informal and relaxed nature of the view.

a passing look

Implies a casual and perhaps unintentional observation.

a fleeting glimpse

Focuses on the brevity and transience of the observation.

a brief survey

Suggests a more structured, though still rapid, overview.

a perfunctory review

Highlights the lack of genuine interest or effort.

a superficial examination

Highlights the lack of depth in the assessment.

a shallow inspection

Similar to "superficial examination", but perhaps more active.

a once-over

An informal term for a quick and general assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cursory glance" to indicate a brief and superficial look at something. For example, "After "a cursory glance" at the report, I realized there were several errors."

What are some alternatives to "a cursory glance"?

Some alternatives to "a cursory glance" include "a quick look", "a brief survey", or "a passing look", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a cursory glance" formal or informal?

"A cursory glance" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most writing contexts, including professional and academic settings.

What does "cursory" mean in the phrase "a cursory glance"?

In the phrase "a cursory glance", "cursory" means hasty and not detailed; superficial. It emphasizes the brief and somewhat superficial nature of the look.