a glimpse of him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a glimpse of him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or fleeting view or insight into a person, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As she walked past the crowd, she caught a glimpse of him standing by the fountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I just want to see a glimpse of him".

Independent

Crowds did not clamor for a glimpse of him.

The New York Times

Every time they passed Mr. Bay's house, they sought a glimpse of him.

The New York Times

"You do get a glimpse of him, of course, in 'Batman v Superman'.

Independent

Wouldn't he try to get into another show so she could have a glimpse of him?

The New Yorker

While his wife, Julie, supported the move, she seldom catches a glimpse of him.

The New York Times

His mother hoped to get a glimpse of him playing on TV.

The New York Times - Sports

And maybe we'll get a glimpse of him in his Desperate Housewives or Will & Grace cameos?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We would catch a glimpse of him from time to time, and that added a special flavor to the neighborhood.

The New York Times

At a car race, a small, exuberant crowd of fans waited to catch a glimpse of him.

The New Yorker

Occasionally, I'll tune into a late-night rerun and catch a glimpse of him as a young man.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glimpse of him" to suggest a brief and often incomplete view, implying that the subject was not fully observed or understood. This is especially useful when describing fleeting encounters or distant figures.

Common error

Avoid using "a glimpse of him" to describe situations where the subject is observed for a prolonged period or in detail. The term implies brevity and should not be used if a thorough observation was made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glimpse of him" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb, such as 'catch', 'get', or 'see'. It denotes a brief or fleeting visual encounter, indicating that the observer only had a momentary view of the person in question. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a glimpse of him" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a brief visual encounter with a person. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used, especially in News & Media. Key takeaways include:

• Usage: It implies a short, often incomplete view, suitable for fleeting moments.
• Alternatives: Phrases like "a quick sighting of him" or "a brief look at him" offer slight variations in emphasis.
• Best Practice: Employ it when conveying brevity, and avoid it when describing detailed or prolonged observations.

Understanding these nuances ensures precise and effective communication, making your writing clearer and more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A quick sighting of him

Focuses on the speed and brevity of the visual encounter.

A brief look at him

Emphasizes the shortness and simplicity of the observation.

A fleeting moment with him

Highlights the transience and ephemeral nature of the interaction.

A passing glance at him

Stresses the casual and incidental nature of the observation.

A short view of him

Highlights the limited duration of the visual.

A peek at him

Implies a furtive or secretive observation.

A snatch of him

Focuses on the grabbing or obtaining a brief impression.

A fleeting impression of him

Shifts the focus to the mental image or sense derived from the brief view.

Catching sight of him momentarily

Adds emphasis to the transient nature of the visual encounter.

Seeing him for a split second

Emphasizes the extremely short duration of the sighting.

FAQs

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

You can use "a glimpse of him" to describe briefly seeing someone, like "I caught "a glimpse of him" as he walked past the window".

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

You can use alternatives like "a quick sighting of him", "a brief look at him", or "a passing glance at him" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I got a glimpse of him" or "I caught a glimpse of him"?

Both "I got "a glimpse of him"" and "I caught "a glimpse of him"" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "a glimpse of him" imply about the observation?

"A glimpse of him" implies that the observation was brief, fleeting, and potentially incomplete. It suggests that the viewer only saw a small part of the subject or saw them for a very short time.