a passing look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passing look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or brief glance at something or someone. Example: "She gave him a passing look before returning to her book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The few remaining milestones on what was once the "road without borders" barely get a passing look.

The Guardian

You dock here for trips to Tuscany's most enticing towns and cities – Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca and San Gimignano – and a passing look at the region's beautiful countryside.

The Telegraph

His show includes a poignant poem about Carl collecting two litres of dew to prepare a romantic dinner for two; Derek, whose naked waterspout he admires in the gym; and even a passing look at the love life of the Queen.

Independent

Neil knew the nurse who was on duty in Emergency, and after he had filled out a form and let her take a passing look at Grace's foot ("Nice job," she said without interest) he was able to go ahead and give the tetanus shot himself.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At the same time there's a constant undercurrent of danger: a passing face looks murderous; police fish a corpse from the river; a pier explodes in billows of dark smoke.

The New York Times - Arts

She took a pass, looking surprised, possibly unprepared.

The New York Times

If you think virtual worlds are a passing fad, look at the figures.

The Guardian - Tech

"Get inland". With a passing, quizzical look, he did as he was told.

HuffPost

When a tornado passes, look around for any broken wires so you don't have a serious injury or even death.

WikiHow

Athleticism makes a bad pass look good.

The New York Times

As a passing extra looks her up and down in a tracking shot through the airport, she covers herself gently with her suitcase.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passing look" when you want to convey that someone glanced at something quickly and without much attention.

Common error

Avoid using "a passing look" repeatedly in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "fleeting glance" or "brief look" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing look" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or part of a prepositional phrase. It describes the act of looking briefly at something or someone, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passing look" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a quick or brief glance. Ludwig's analysis indicates it functions as a noun phrase, primarily found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it effectively conveys a lack of sustained attention. Alternatives such as "a fleeting glance" or "a brief look" can be used to add variety to your writing. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and semantic meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fleeting glance

Emphasizes the quick and transient nature of the look.

a quick glimpse

Highlights the brevity and speed of the look.

a brief look

Focuses on the short duration of the visual inspection.

a cursory glance

Suggests a lack of thoroughness in the look.

a casual observation

Implies a relaxed and informal way of noticing something.

a superficial view

Highlights the lack of depth in the visual assessment.

a momentary peek

Stresses the brief and fleeting nature of the look.

a swift observation

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the visual assessment.

a perfunctory look

Indicates a routine or indifferent visual check.

a hasty glance

Highlights the hurried and rushed nature of the look.

FAQs

What does "a passing look" mean?

"A passing look" refers to a quick or brief glance at something or someone.

How can I use "a passing look" in a sentence?

You can use "a passing look" in a sentence to describe a brief observation. For example, "She gave the painting "a passing look" before moving on to the next one".

What are some alternatives to "a passing look"?

Alternatives to "a passing look" include "a fleeting glance", "a quick glimpse", or "a brief look".

Is "a passing look" formal or informal?

"A passing look" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.