a glimpse of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a glimpse of something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a brief or partial view of a person, object, or place that you have seen. For example, "When I looked out of the window I caught a glimpse of the breathtaking landscape below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it did catch a glimpse of something else.

The New York Times - Science

They mark, people say, a glimpse of something beyond grief.

The New York Times

Glancing skyward, I caught a glimpse of something brown flapping away.

The New Yorker

But Lisi felt that he had caught a glimpse of something bigger.

The New Yorker

"I kind of feel like I'm getting a glimpse of something I'm not supposed to".

The New York Times

Seven hundred years ago, it was read as a glimpse of something far more real.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet it is hard to let go after catching a glimpse of something special.

The Guardian - Sport

It was the first time he'd caught a glimpse of something he might do with his life.

The New Yorker

Boredom is staring for hours at the smooth, mirror-like water, hoping to catch a glimpse of something, anything.

The New Yorker

He and his pals sometimes slipped over to the site hoping for a glimpse of something ghoulish.

The Washington Post

I follow his lead and catch a glimpse of something almost unheard of in England: a passionate pro-EU demonstration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glimpse of something" to create intrigue or suggest a deeper meaning. It's effective when you want to hint at something without fully revealing it.

Common error

Avoid using "a glimpse of something" too frequently in the same piece of writing. Vary your descriptive language to maintain reader engagement and prevent the phrase from losing its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glimpse of something" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb like 'catch', 'get', or 'offer'. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its role in describing a brief or partial view. Examples show it can refer to concrete objects, abstract concepts, or experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a glimpse of something" is a versatile phrase used to describe a brief or partial view or understanding, as Ludwig AI confirms. It functions primarily as a noun phrase and carries a neutral tone, making it appropriate for various contexts. Its high frequency across news, academic, and other media demonstrates its widespread use. When using this phrase, ensure it conveys a sense of intrigue or hints at a deeper meaning without overusing it. Consider using alternatives like "a fleeting look at something" or "a quick peek at something" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fleeting look at something

Focuses on the brief and transient nature of the view.

a quick peek at something

Emphasizes the speed and informality of the observation.

a brief exposure to something

Highlights the short duration of being subjected to or experiencing something.

a passing acquaintance with something

Suggests a superficial or not very detailed understanding.

a taste of something

Emphasizes the limited and introductory nature of the experience.

a hint of something

Highlights the subtle and indirect nature of the indication.

a suggestion of something

Focuses on the implied or indirect nature of the information.

a faint impression of something

Emphasizes the weak and unclear nature of the perception.

an inkling of something

Highlights the intuitive or vague understanding of something.

a suspicion of something

Focuses on the feeling of doubt or mistrust regarding something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a glimpse of something" to describe a brief or partial view or understanding. For example, "The documentary offered a glimpse of something new to its audience".

What phrases are similar to "a glimpse of something"?

Similar phrases include "a fleeting look at something", "a quick peek at something", or "a brief exposure to something".

Is it correct to say "a glimpse on something" instead of "a glimpse of something"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "glimpse" in this context is "of". "A glimpse of something" is the standard and grammatically correct form.

When is it appropriate to use "a glimpse of something" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to convey a brief, incomplete, or suggestive view or understanding. It's often used to create a sense of mystery or anticipation.