a parting glance at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a parting glance at" 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 something. Example: "As she closed the door behind her, she took a parting glance at the room filled with memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Representing the film's conscience are Ryoko, Mishima and their comically gung-ho colleagues though, except for a parting glance at the end, they never betray their feelings in any overt fashion.

The New York Times

As Blechman notes toward the end, retirees may in fact be losing interest in golfistans like the Villages, which makes "Leisureville" perhaps less about the vanguard of a cultural shift than a parting glance at a fading consumer vision.

The New York Times - Books

As we left, I took a parting glance at the gorgeous cherry-wood bar, built around a three-feet-in-diameter, cast aluminum vintage clock from a French train station.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As the final ceremonies wrapped up on Sunday afternoon, caps and gowns gave way to tearful embraces and parting glances at campus landmarks.

Duke University

A parting question.

The Guardian - Film

7. Create a parting surface.

Princeton University

Career high Three great performances in Fargo, Ghost World and Bill Sherwood's nearly forgotten Parting Glances (1986), in which he plays a songwriter dying of AIDS.

The Guardian - Film

Charles Krauthammer Is Obamaa preparing a parting shot at Israel?

The Washington Post

As he walked away, Putnam took a parting shot at Panish.

Los Angeles Times

Mr. Stein could not resist a parting shot at the Met, which he likened to a factory.

Huffington Post

He gave me the parting gift of that fabulous smile of his, the best smile in the world, and then I left, snatching a final glance at the back of that noble white head, alone and motionless at the big table, before I exited the front door.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a parting glance at" to evoke a sense of closure or finality, particularly when describing a scene or object left behind.

Common error

Avoid using "a parting glance at" in contexts that don't warrant emotional weight. Reserve it for situations where the finality or emotional significance is genuinely present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a parting glance at" functions as a noun phrase that often acts as the object of a verb, such as "take" or "cast". It describes the act of briefly looking at something for the last time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a parting glance at" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a final, often emotional, look. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, although its frequency is rare. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, suggesting a relatively neutral but slightly literary register. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the emotional weight of the context. Alternatives like "a final look at" or "a last look at" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a final look at

Replaces "glance" with "look", emphasizing a more general observation rather than a quick one.

a last look at

Similar to "a final look at", but carries a slightly more sentimental or definitive tone.

a final glimpse of

Substitutes "glance" with "glimpse", suggesting a brief and perhaps incomplete view.

a passing glance at

Emphasizes the brief and transient nature of the look.

a quick look at

Highlights the speed and lack of thoroughness in the observation.

a backward glance at

Specifies that the look is directed behind, implying reflection or regret.

a retrospective view of

Implies a more considered and thoughtful look back at something, often from a distance in time.

a concluding survey of

Suggests a comprehensive overview taken at the end of something.

a valedictory look at

Adds a formal and ceremonial tone, often used in farewells or commemorations.

a departing view of

Focuses on the act of leaving and the visual impression during departure.

FAQs

How can I use "a parting glance at" in a sentence?

Use "a parting glance at" to describe a final, often brief, look at something as you leave it behind. For instance, "She cast "a parting glance at" her childhood home before driving away".

What are some alternatives to "a parting glance at"?

Alternatives include "a final look at", "a last look at", or "a final glimpse of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a parting glance at"?

It's best used when emphasizing the finality or emotional significance of leaving something behind. If the look is merely casual or incidental, other phrases might be more suitable.

Is "a parting glance at" formal or informal?

The phrase is relatively neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it leans slightly toward the literary or descriptive.