a glance over

USAGE SUMMARY

"a glance over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a quick scan of something to get a general overview. For example, "I gave the document a glance over and saw that it was exactly what I was looking for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

I shot a glance over my shoulder.

The New York Times

She gave him a glance over the steering wheel.

The New Yorker

He shot a glance, over his spectacles, toward an aide.

The New Yorker

He alludes to intimacy with a glance over the shoulder or a gently withdrawn hand.

The Economist

She cast a glance over the racks of clothes and stacks of vintage fabric.

The New York Times - Arts

TAKE a glance over at the person in the next cubicle.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

I glance over at a bemedaled man, also in white, wearing a bonnet on his head.

Forbes

"How is life here?" "It is good," he says, shooting back an awkward smile and glancing over at the guards.

The Guardian

Secondly, "obs stable" implies a lack of rigour, suggesting a cursory glance over the chart rather than a detailed analysis of the nursing observations.

British Medical Journal

A glance back over the years is impressive.

The New Yorker

I looked away just before she threw a glance at over me.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glance over" when you want to convey a quick and non-thorough examination or review. It's useful for setting a tone of informality or suggesting that more detailed analysis may follow.

Common error

Avoid using "a glance over" when a comprehensive analysis is required. It can undermine the seriousness and importance of the task if a more in-depth approach is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glance over" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adjectivally or adverbially to describe the manner in which something is observed or reviewed. It indicates a quick, often superficial, look at something, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a glance over" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that suggests a quick and superficial review or inspection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's a useful expression for conveying speed and informality, it's important to consider whether a more thorough review is necessary to avoid misrepresenting the depth of analysis. Related phrases like "a quick look at" or "a brief survey of" can provide alternative ways to express a similar idea, depending on the context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick look at

Emphasizes the speed and brevity of the examination.

a fast check of

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the inspection.

a swift review of

Focuses on the speed with which the material is assessed.

a brief survey of

Implies a more structured and comprehensive, though still quick, review.

a once-over of

Implies a single, quick pass across the material.

a passing look at

Indicates that the examination was not the primary focus.

a preliminary assessment of

Suggests that the review is an initial step before a more detailed analysis.

a cursory examination of

Highlights the lack of detailed attention during the inspection.

a superficial scan of

Highlights the lack of depth in the inspection.

a fleeting glimpse of

Suggests an even shorter and less focused observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a glance over" to describe a quick or brief look. For example, "I gave the report "a glance over" before the meeting."

What's a more formal alternative to "a glance over"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a brief review of", "a cursory examination of", or "a preliminary assessment of". These alternatives suggest a more structured approach than just "a glance over".

What is the difference between "a glance over" and "a thorough review of"?

"A glance over" implies a quick, superficial look, while "a thorough review of" suggests a detailed and comprehensive analysis. Use "a thorough review of" when a deep understanding is required, and "a glance over" when a general overview is sufficient.

When is it appropriate to use "a glance over" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a glance over" when the context suggests a rapid, non-exhaustive inspection. For instance, you might give your notes "a glance over" before a presentation, but a legal document likely requires more than just "a glance over".