a last glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a last glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a final look or observation before leaving or moving on from a situation. Example: "As she closed the door behind her, she took a last glance at the room filled with memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Later, in the canoe back to Ucaima, I stole a last glance at Angel Falls.

The New York Times - Travel

He puts his head out for a last glance at his house, and, with a sigh, closes the taxi door.

The New Yorker

As Ken and I leave I take a last glance down to the end of the cell.

The Guardian

The following morning we had a last glance at Tholing as we took our backpacks down to the Land Cruiser.

The New York Times - Travel

For each character reaching Shakespeare's seventh age, "sans everything," McCorkle offers a heightened, stream-of-consciousness journey, punctuated with a last glance backward.

The New York Times - Books

As they waited nervously for his arrival, Mrs. Bagot took a last glance at the cake, the garden and the ribbons in her daughters' hair.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

At last glance, a sparkling white Christmas tree was still standing under the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, the park's grand classical gateway, around which a farmer's market forms most Saturdays.

The New York Times

Yet, the wide interest in this story has made me take a second look; at last glance over 18,000 people seem to have 'liked' it and even Whoopi Goldberg opened a discussion of it on The View.

Huffington Post

THE reigning empowerment icon of the teenage magazine scene, Atoosa Rubenstein, comes off at first and at last glance like a diva of the Cosmo girl genre that spawned her: unfettered from the roots of her volcanic black hair to the tips of her toenails.

The New York Times

At last glance, Tumblr have a total of 51,205,107 blogs and is still growing.

TechCrunch

Oh, and let's not forget that it has something like 27 million users at last glance — there's a good chance your friends are already onboard.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a last glance" to create a sense of closure or finality in your writing, especially when describing a departure or a significant change. It adds a touch of emotional weight to the scene.

Common error

Avoid using "a last glance" interchangeably with phrases like "at last glance" when the intended meaning is 'as of the most recent observation'. "A last glance" refers to a final look, while "at last glance" indicates a point in time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a last glance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb such as take, cast, or steal. Ludwig examples show it describing a final visual impression before a change or departure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a last glance" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a final look, often imbued with emotional weight. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as the object of verbs like take or cast, commonly found in News & Media contexts. While less frequent than some alternatives, its usage is correct and effective in conveying a sense of closure or finality. When using this phrase, be mindful of its distinction from "at last glance", which denotes a point in time. Consider alternatives such as "a final glimpse" or "a parting look" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

One last look

A more direct and common way to express a final visual impression.

A final glimpse

Emphasizes a brief, fleeting look, similar to a glance, but implies something harder to see.

A parting look

Highlights the act of separation or departure, framing the look as one before leaving.

A farewell look

Specifically conveys a sense of saying goodbye or acknowledging a departure.

A backward look

Focuses on looking behind, implying reflection or regret.

A final peek

Suggests a quick, often furtive look, less formal than "glance".

A concluding view

More formal and emphasizes the visual aspect as a complete scene or vista.

A concluding observation

Shifts the focus from the visual act to the mental process of noting something for the last time.

The last sighting

More detached and objective, often used in reports or factual accounts.

A valedictory gaze

Highly formal and literary, suggesting a thoughtful and emotional final look.

FAQs

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

Use "a last glance" to describe a final look, often imbued with emotion or significance. For example, "She cast "a last glance" at her childhood home before driving away."

What's the difference between "a last glance" and "a final look"?

While similar, "a last glance" implies a quick, perhaps fleeting look, whereas "a final look" might suggest a more prolonged or deliberate observation. The choice depends on the context and desired nuance.

What can I say instead of "a last glance"?

You can use alternatives like "a final glimpse", "a parting look", or "one last look" depending on the context.

Is "a last glance" formal or informal?

"A last glance" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, more formal alternatives like "a valedictory gaze" exist for specific contexts.