a once-over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a once-over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a quick examination or review of something. Example: "Before submitting the report, I gave it a once-over to catch any mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Her bespectacled colleague gave me a once-over.

The New York Times

All five designs deserve more than a once-over.

The New York Times

Ms. Lopez paused, then gave a once-over to Ms. Ricci's dress.

The New York Times

In Los Angeles, a Wal-Mart building permit is getting a once-over.

The New York Times

He would also offer a once-over of a gentleman's clothing with a little brush.

The New York Times

A security guard gives him over a once-over before holding the elevator door open.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Someone stopped me for a moment, then gave me a once over, and ushered me on.

The New Yorker

These works seem executed at high speed, with a once-over-lightly panache that leaves little margin for error.

The New York Times - Arts

An almost anecdote-free production, the autobiography was dismissed by Bradford as "unrevealing," a once-over-lightly job "written at the instance of the popular magazines".

The New Yorker

As a once-over-lightly work done, he says, in his spare time, Mr. Fernández-Armesto's book leaves many questions unexamined.

The New York Times - Books

Its set-multicourse, more expensive meals for groups of three, four and more diners are a once-over-lightly survey course of Korean-Chinese cuisine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a once-over" when you want to convey a quick and not very thorough examination or review. It's suitable for situations where a detailed analysis isn't necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "a once-over" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "inspection", "review", or "assessment" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a once-over" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes the act of performing a quick or superficial examination. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

15%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

The New Yorker

5%

Vice

4%

The Guardian - Lifestyle

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a once-over" is a common and acceptable way to describe a quick, superficial examination or review. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral or informal contexts. For more formal writing, consider more precise synonyms like "inspection" or "assessment". It appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Wiki" contexts, indicating its wide acceptance. Remember that giving something "a once-over" means you're not going into great depth, so choose this phrase when a rapid assessment is all that's needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick look

Focuses on the speed and brevity of the examination.

a brief inspection

Highlights the act of inspecting something in a short amount of time.

a cursory review

Emphasizes the superficial and rapid nature of the review.

a swift examination

Stresses the speed and efficiency of the examination.

a passing glance

Indicates a very brief and often casual look.

a fast check

Highlights the quick nature of the verification process.

a preliminary assessment

Emphasizes that the assessment is initial and not exhaustive.

a superficial scan

Focuses on the lack of depth in the examination.

a light appraisal

Suggests a gentle and not overly critical evaluation.

a once over lightly

Indicates that something is done without attention to detail, similar but more descriptive.

FAQs

How can I use "a once-over" in a sentence?

You can use "a once-over" to describe a quick examination or review. For example, "Before submitting the report, I gave it "a once-over" to catch any mistakes."

What's another way to say "a once-over"?

Alternatives to "a once-over" include "a quick look", "a brief inspection", or "a cursory review".

Is it appropriate to use "a once-over" in formal writing?

While "a once-over" is widely understood, it might be more suitable for informal or casual contexts. In formal writing, consider using terms like "review", "assessment", or "examination" for a more professional tone.

What does "giving something a once-over" imply?

Giving something "a once-over" implies a rapid and not particularly detailed examination. It suggests a focus on catching obvious errors or getting a general sense rather than conducting an in-depth analysis.