a passing view of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passing view of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or fleeting observation of something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As I walked through the park, I caught a passing view of the sunset, its colors painting the sky beautifully."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

MASS transportation has introduced radically new spaces to the world -- not just the coach or cabin of the vehicle, but that less definable place in between, the space of the rapidly passing view, of suspension and uncertainty.

The New York Times

In the thirty orbits that followed, the crew saw passing views of their landing site in the southern Sea of Tranquility (Mare Tranquillitatis) about 12 mile southwest of the crater Sabine D (0.67408N, 23.47297E).

Wikipedia

My sister picked me up in a cab, and as I recall, I cried the whole ride up there, watching the passing view with an elegaic sense of leave-taking.

The New York Times - Magazine

About halfway, the trail passes a view of the Wanaque Reservoir and the Wyanokie Mountains.

The New York Times - Travel

In a related accident, Rebecca Spitz, a reporter for NY1 News covering the discovery of the body, was struck in the head by the side-view mirror of a passing commercial van.

The New York Times

Should she bid her long, strong hearts or pass in view of the evident misfit?

The New York Times

In the center of the floor, a hatch door from a World War II supply ship lifts up to reveal bottles suspended above tempered glass: a wine rack that comes with a view of passing fish.

Los Angeles Times

Passing by a view of St. Patrick's Cathedral from the ninth-floor solarium, Ms. Lenihan said, "You feel very close to history here".

The New York Times

Star jumps may be a problem in view of passing punts, but Newnham Riverbank Club, on the green and dreamy Cam, is an English skinny-dipping haven.

The Guardian - Travel

A table with a view of the passing scene is recommended, since as with many restaurants in San Juan, the byword here is not necessarily efficiency.

The New York Times - Travel

A table with a view of the passing scene is recommended, since as with many restaurants in San Juan, the byword here is not necessarily efficiency. 1 p.m. 4. Explore the City Old San Juan is justifiably cherished for its beautifully preserved buildings and its sleepy charm.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passing view of" to describe something seen quickly or briefly, often from a moving vehicle or while in transit. This phrase is effective when you want to convey a sense of fleeting observation.

Common error

Avoid using "a passing view of" when describing something you examined thoroughly or observed for an extended period. This phrase implies brevity and a lack of detailed inspection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing view of" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a brief or fleeting observation. It's built upon the noun "view" that is qualified by the adjective "passing" which describes that is a brief view.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a passing view of" describes a brief or fleeting observation. It functions as a noun phrase and is suitable for neutral contexts like news and general descriptions. Alternatives include "a fleeting glimpse of" or "a quick look at". Although the linguistic analysis reveals a clear grammatical function and purpose, Ludwig did not find enough examples to determine frequency and provide specific usage contexts. Further data may refine these insights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a glimpse of

A more concise way of saying "a passing view of", focusing on the short observation.

a fleeting glimpse of

Replaces "passing" with "fleeting," emphasizing the briefness of the view.

a momentary view of

Substitutes "passing" with "momentary," highlighting the short duration of the view.

a rapid view of

Replaces "passing" with "rapid", focusing on the speed of the view.

a short view of

Replaces "passing" with "short", describing the limited duration of the view.

a quick look at

Uses simpler language to convey a brief observation.

a brief sighting of

Emphasizes the act of seeing something quickly.

a transient view of

Uses "transient" to emphasize the temporary nature of the view.

a fleeting impression of

Shifts the focus to the impression received from a quick view.

a snapshot of

Implies a captured or frozen moment in the view.

FAQs

How can I use "a passing view of" in a sentence?

Use "a passing view of" to describe a quick or brief observation. For example, "From the train, I caught a passing view of the mountains." Alternatively, use "a fleeting glimpse of" to highlight the briefness.

What are some alternatives to "a passing view of"?

Similar phrases include "a fleeting glimpse of", "a brief sighting of", or "a quick look at". Choose the alternative that best fits the context of your sentence.

Is it correct to say "a passing glance of" instead of "a passing view of"?

While "glance" and "view" are related, "a passing glance of" is more common when referring to a very quick look. "A passing view of" suggests a slightly more substantial, though still brief, observation.

Can "a passing view of" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "a passing view of" can be used metaphorically to describe a brief or superficial understanding of something. For example, "He only had a passing view of the complex issue" implies he didn't fully understand it.