a passing glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passing glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or brief look at something without much attention or detail. Example: "As I walked by the art gallery, I caught a passing glance of the stunning painting in the window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

No one gave them more than a passing glance.

The New York Times

Not just a passing glance, but a really serious inspection?

The Guardian - Money

Mr. De Vincenzo deserves more than a passing glance because his technique seems extraordinarily mature.

The New York Times

You get to linger over things that previously might have merited only a passing glance.

The New York Times - Travel

As to the other concerns, he said, the report "doesn't even give it a passing glance".

The New York Times

Not that any of the young lions gives the views more than a passing glance.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

At a first, passing glance, they look like any other parking restriction notice, but look again and you'll see these signs put up in New York and Philadelphia are calling for an end to a street behaviour that's even more unacceptable than waiting in a loading bay.

Independent

The billboard appears, at passing glance, to be advertising a new Apple product, since the typeface is Apple Garamond, in black on a white backdrop.

The New Yorker

One passing glance from Milena told her that she did look stupid in her scarf and her lipstick.

The New Yorker

His engagement to Erica Stoll, a serene presence in any environment, has provided stability and contentment that is abundantly clear even upon passing glance.

The Guardian - Sport

It was like a racial relay race in the desert where we could pass glances back and forth, making a network of double consciousness across the city.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passing glance" when you want to convey that something or someone received minimal attention or consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "a passing glance" when you mean to describe a detailed or in-depth examination. The phrase implies a lack of careful scrutiny.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing glance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb. It describes a brief and often superficial look or observation, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Travel

7%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a passing glance" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a brief and often superficial look or observation. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. It's important to use this phrase when you want to convey a lack of careful scrutiny or in-depth analysis. Alternatives include "a fleeting glimpse" and "a cursory look". Avoid using it when you intend to describe a detailed examination. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a passing look

Slightly less formal and emphasizes the incidental nature of the glance.

a fleeting glimpse

Emphasizes the brevity and transient nature of the look.

a momentary glimpse

Indicates that the look lasts only for a moment.

a cursory look

Highlights the lack of thoroughness in the examination.

a swift look

Emphasizes the speed of the observation.

a brief observation

Focuses on the act of noticing something quickly.

a quick peek

Suggests a secretive or surreptitious look.

a casual scan

Implies a relaxed and informal assessment.

a superficial view

Highlights the lack of depth in understanding.

a perfunctory examination

Highlights the lack of genuine interest or effort.

FAQs

How to use "a passing glance" in a sentence?

Use "a passing glance" to describe a quick, often superficial look or moment of attention. For instance, "He gave the document only "a passing glance" before signing it."

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

You can use alternatives like "a fleeting glimpse", "a cursory look", or "a brief observation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "passing glance" or "passed glance"?

"Passing glance" is correct when used as a noun phrase. "Passed glance" might be used in a different context, such as describing something that happened in the past involving a glance, but it's not interchangeable with ""a passing glance"".

What's the difference between "a quick look" and "a passing glance"?

"A quick look" implies a brief but potentially focused examination, while ""a passing glance"" suggests even less attention, often incidental and without deliberate focus.