a glimpse of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a glimpse of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a quick, brief sighting or look, often of something that is out of the ordinary. For example, "I caught a glimpse of a rare bird in the woods yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Again, we get a glimpse of it.

The New Yorker

A glimpse of the future, perhaps?

Independent

A glimpse of Tiger Woods's future?

The New York Times - Arts

Here is a glimpse of the future.

Independent

Van Nistelrooy barely got a glimpse of goal.

Independent

"I got a glimpse of it this year".

The New York Times

a glimpse of the Bosporus.

The Guardian - Books

A glimpse of Carson's ankles?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's a glimpse of eternity.

The Guardian - Travel

It's almost a glimpse of eternal life.

Independent

— a glimpse of Mr. Tatum's bare behind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glimpse of" to introduce a brief or incomplete view or experience, setting expectations for the level of detail the reader will receive.

Common error

Avoid using "a glimpse of" if you can provide a more comprehensive description or analysis. Overusing it can make your writing seem superficial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glimpse of" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier. It introduces a noun phrase, indicating that what follows is being presented in a brief, incomplete, or suggestive manner, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a glimpse of" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that introduces a brief or incomplete view or experience. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase modifier, primarily in news and media contexts. When writing, remember to use this phrase when you only intend to provide a quick peek and not a detailed explanation. If you intend to make a thorough insight, do not use this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief view of

This option is a more literal substitute, focusing on the act of seeing something briefly.

a quick look at

This alternative emphasizes the speed and brevity of the viewing experience.

a fleeting impression of

This emphasizes the short duration and sensory nature of the experience.

a peek at

This suggests a secretive or surreptitious look.

a hint of

This implies a subtle indication or suggestion, rather than a direct view.

a taste of

This alternative extends the concept beyond sight, suggesting a brief experience or exposure to something.

a sample of

Implies a small portion taken for examination.

a suggestive impression of

This alternative is more artistic and suggestive, typically utilized for visual experiences.

a snatch of

This suggests a quick and perhaps incomplete acquisition of information or experience.

a soupçon of

This is a more sophisticated substitute for a hint, often used in the contexts of cooking or perfumery.

FAQs

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

"A glimpse of" is used to indicate a brief or incomplete view or experience. For example, "The article offers "a glimpse of" the future of technology".

What can I say instead of "a glimpse of"?

You can use alternatives like "a quick look at", "a brief view of", or "a hint of" depending on the context.

Is "a glimpse on" grammatically correct instead of "a glimpse of"?

No, "a glimpse on" is not grammatically correct. The correct preposition to use with "glimpse" in this context is "of". Therefore, ""a glimpse of"" is the appropriate phrasing.

What's the difference between "a glimpse of" and "a hint of"?

"A glimpse of" generally refers to a brief visual sighting, while ""a hint of"" suggests a subtle indication or suggestion that may not be directly visual.