a last glimpse of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a last glimpse of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or final look at something before it is gone or no longer visible. Example: As the sun set behind the mountains, we caught a last glimpse of its golden rays before darkness enveloped the valley.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

I caught a last glimpse of the tigress as she disappeared.

The Guardian - Travel

As such, "A Hundred Miles to the End" provides a last glimpse of Long Island's pre-Sandy coastline.

The New York Times

His eyes now were on the rearview mirror, trying to catch a last glimpse of the boy.

The New Yorker

Occasionally, there is a last glimpse of a world that was vanishing even as the book was written.

The Guardian - Arts

Red-faced military policemen wrestled with mourners carrying the pope's portrait who were straining for a last glimpse of him through the dark windows of the white van.

The New York Times

If you book now, you'll arrive just in time to catch a last glimpse of our fading rainbow, and the first stirrings of our next upheaval.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Here's his latest: As a closer, here's a fun last glimpse of ice conditions (and polar bear tracks!) from one of two automated cameras set on the ice near the North Pole in April.

The New York Times

So be ready for a possible last glimpse of the legendary colours of generations – and each distinctively to their own.

The Guardian - Sport

Red-faced military policemen wrestled mourners carrying the pope's portraits as they strained for a last glimpse through the dark windows of the white van.

The New York Times

That last glimpse of a ball as it soars long and straight down the fairway.

BBC

In a very real sense, that last glimpse of Don prefigures the rise of the SBNRs.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a last glimpse of" to evoke a sense of finality or loss, particularly when describing a scene or person fading from view. It adds emotional weight to the writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a last glimpse of" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your language to prevent the writing from sounding repetitive and monotonous. Consider using synonyms like "final view", "parting glance", or rephrasing the sentence to achieve variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a last glimpse of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object of a verb or preposition. It indicates the final instance of seeing something, often implying a sense of loss or transition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Less common in

Science

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a last glimpse of" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that evokes a sense of finality and is especially prevalent in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it is best used to add emotional depth and should not be overused to avoid monotony. Consider alternatives such as "a final look at" or "a parting glance at" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a final look at

Replaces 'glimpse' with 'look', emphasizing a more intentional observation.

a last view of

Substitutes 'glimpse' with 'view', suggesting a broader perspective.

a final sighting of

Emphasizes the act of 'sighting', particularly suitable when referring to something elusive.

a parting glance at

Uses 'glance' to convey a quick, often emotional, observation.

a final peek at

Suggests a quick, furtive look, implying a sense of secrecy or informality.

a last observation of

Formalizes the observation, suitable for scientific or analytical contexts.

a farewell look at

Highlights the sense of parting or departure.

the last sight of

Changes from an active look to a passive sight. The focus is on what is being seen instead of who is seeing.

the final vision of

Creates a more dramatic and lasting impression than "glimpse".

a transient view of

Highlights the brief and fleeting nature of the view.

FAQs

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

Use "a last glimpse of" to describe a fleeting, final view of something. For example, "We caught "a last glimpse of" the sunset as the plane took off."

What are some alternatives to "a last glimpse of"?

Alternatives include "a final look at", "a parting glance at", or "a final sighting of", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a last glimpse of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying a sense of closure or finality. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall style.

What's the difference between "a last glimpse of" and "a final view of"?

"A last glimpse of" suggests a brief, fleeting look, while "a final view of" implies a more comprehensive or prolonged observation. The choice depends on the context and the intended emphasis.