a glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a glimpse" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe a brief or fleeting sight or experience. For example: "We caught a glimpse of the incredible view from the mountaintop before we had to move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This isn't a glimpse.

The New York Times

It's just a glimpse.

The New York Times - Sports

Again, we get a glimpse of it.

The New Yorker

A glimpse of the future, perhaps?

Independent

Make it "glimpsed" or "caught a glimpse".

The New York Times

In this way, Aleppo offered a glimpse.

The New York Times

A glimpse of Tiger Woods's future?

The New York Times - Arts

But not a glimpse for us.

Independent

"being Here... ...... gives us a glimpse.

The New York Times - Arts

A glimpse into Abraham Lincoln's poetry.

The New Yorker

But that was just a glimpse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glimpse" when you want to convey that something was seen or experienced only briefly and not in its entirety. It's suitable for describing fleeting moments or incomplete insights.

Common error

Avoid using "a glimpse" when you actually have a comprehensive understanding of the subject. "Glimpse" implies incompleteness, so ensure your word choice accurately reflects the depth of your knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glimpse" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. Ludwig shows its usage in indicating a brief or incomplete view or understanding of something. It adds a sense of transience and partial insight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a glimpse" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a brief or incomplete view. As verified by Ludwig, it appears across various contexts, most commonly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately represents the limited nature of the viewing experience. For situations requiring a more complete picture, consider alternatives like "an overview". Remember that while "a glimpse" is versatile, it's crucial to maintain clarity and avoid exaggerating the level of understanding it implies. The examples from Ludwig's AI demonstrate its widespread applicability and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief look

Emphasizes the shortness of the observation.

a quick peek

Suggests a casual and often surreptitious viewing.

a fleeting view

Highlights the transient nature of the sight.

a passing glance

Indicates a very rapid and superficial look.

a snapshot

Implies a static, captured moment in time.

a taste

Transfers the idea of a brief sensory experience to a broader context.

an inkling

Suggests a vague or uncertain understanding.

a hint

Indicates a subtle suggestion or trace of something.

a notion

Refers to a preliminary or incomplete idea.

a sketch

Suggests an incomplete or preliminary representation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a glimpse" to describe a brief or fleeting view. For example, "I caught "a glimpse" of the sunset as the train passed by".

What can I say instead of "a glimpse"?

You can use alternatives like "a brief look", "a quick peek", or "a fleeting view" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a glimpse" is appropriate in formal writing to indicate a brief or partial view, though ensure it accurately reflects the level of detail available. If you mean complete insight, use something like "an overview" instead.

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

While both suggest a quick look, "a glimpse" often implies seeing something partially or incompletely, whereas "a glance" simply means a quick look without necessarily implying incompleteness.