a cursory glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cursory glimpse" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means a quick or brief look or glance. Example: "I only had a cursory glimpse of the painting, but even that was enough to captivate me. I knew I had to come back and spend more time studying it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The precarious conditions that remain allowed for only a cursory glimpse of the presidential lair, where coups have been fended off with varying degrees of success and where the management, and mismanagement, of the country has long been carried out.

The New York Times

Beyond a cursory glimpse at his biography, we learn very little of the man who outmaneuvered some of Wall Street's brightest minds and safeguarded his embattled position for seven years.

The New York Times

While agreeing with much of Charlie Beckett's piece (We can make the leap into the digital future together, 26 March), a cursory glimpse at the comments from the Guardian's Open Weekend reveals few inputs from readers north of the Trent.

The Guardian

From a cursory glimpse, the dance routines didn't look all that different from the spots of past years that featured slightly self-conscious celebrities capering around in Gap outfits.

The New York Times

A cursory glimpse at tomorrow's rumored announcements shows a company that continues to be somewhat reactive toward industry moves.

TechCrunch

Even a cursory glimpse of movement history indicates play is anything but a class-bound activity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Still, any cursory glimpse of Patchogue is a reminder that we are long past the point where it is a marginal conversation about suburban life.

The New York Times

With the IRS and AP stories, any cursory glimpse at the news will prove that Democrats -- even liberal bloggers -- have been critical of the Obama administration's actions, just as they had been with the actions of the Bush White House and the Republican Party.

Huffington Post

The film skips non-chronologically through her life, including episodes from childhood, days on the road as a young woman and a frustratingly cursory glimpse of her struggle to survive during the second world war.

The Guardian - Film

A cursory glance at human history suggests otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

A cursory glance at his oeuvre suggests not.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cursory glimpse" when you want to emphasize that an observation was quick and not detailed. It's ideal for describing initial impressions or limited views.

Common error

Avoid using "a cursory glimpse" when the situation involves a thorough or detailed examination. This phrase implies a lack of depth, so it's inappropriate if a more in-depth analysis has occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cursory glimpse" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It often describes the act of briefly observing something, as seen in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cursory glimpse" is a grammatically correct phrase meaning a quick or brief look, as validated by Ludwig. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, though also suitable for science and encyclopedic writing. While its register is considered neutral, it's crucial to avoid using it when describing a thorough examination. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use for expressing superficial observations. For alternatives, consider phrases like "a brief look" or "a quick glance" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief look

Focuses on the shortness of the visual inspection.

a quick glance

Highlights the speed of the observation.

a passing glance

Emphasizes the incidental or unintentional nature of the view.

a superficial look

Indicates a lack of depth or thoroughness in the examination.

a fleeting view

Stresses the short duration and impermanence of the sight.

a casual look

Suggests a relaxed and informal visual assessment.

a swift survey

Implies a rapid and comprehensive, but not necessarily detailed, overview.

a hasty peek

Conveys a sense of urgency or furtiveness in the observation.

a rapid scan

Highlights the active process of quickly examining something.

a thumbnail sketch

Figuratively refers to a brief and basic representation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cursory glimpse" to indicate a quick or brief look at something. For example, "I only had "a cursory glimpse" of the data, but it seemed promising".

What's the difference between "a cursory glimpse" and "a detailed examination"?

"A cursory glimpse" implies a quick and superficial look, while "a detailed examination" suggests a thorough and in-depth analysis. The former is brief, while the latter is comprehensive.

What are some synonyms for "a cursory glimpse"?

Alternatives include "a brief look", "a quick glance", or "a passing glance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a cursory glimpse" in formal writing?

Yes, "a cursory glimpse" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to describe a brief or superficial observation in a professional or academic context.