a peek at

USAGE SUMMARY

"a peek at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a quick look at something, usually for the purpose of gathering information or getting a general impression. For example, "I took a peek at the new menu and saw that they added a few more choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take a peek at the page here.

The New York Times

Here's a peek at his gallery début.

The New Yorker

I sneaked a peek at my daughters.

The New York Times

Want a peek at a Yorkshire terrier?

The New York Times

Few were granted a peek at Mr. Tsarnaev's other life.

The New York Times

Here's a peek at what's happening in Florida and Virginia.

The New Yorker

Tuesday night's show offered a peek at some new songs.

The New York Times

Here's a peek at what we've done so far.

The New York Times

He himself could not resist a peek at the list.

The New York Times

A peek at the next phase of the High Line.

The New York Times

And here is a peek at are our videos again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a peek at" to create a sense of intrigue or anticipation, suggesting that only a small part of something is being revealed. For example, "Here's "a peek at" what's coming in the next update."

Common error

Avoid using "a peek at" when a thorough examination or analysis is required. "A peek at" implies a brief overview, not a comprehensive review.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a peek at" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb and describe how an action is performed, implying a quick or secretive look. Ludwig's examples show it in contexts ranging from news to lifestyle, reinforcing its versatile application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a peek at" is a grammatically sound and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate a quick or brief look. According to Ludwig AI, it's generally appropriate for neutral to informal contexts, frequently appearing in news and media. When precision is required, consider alternatives like "a glimpse of" or "a brief overview of". Use "a peek at" to generate interest, but ensure it aligns with the intended scope and tone of your writing. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is well-established and versatile, lending a touch of anticipation or intrigue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a glimpse of

Focuses on a fleeting view, often implying something is only partially seen.

a quick look at

Emphasizes the brevity and speed of the observation.

a brief view of

Highlights the shortness of the visual experience.

a short glance at

Similar to a quick look, but can also imply a lack of interest or attention.

a cursory examination of

Suggests a superficial and not very thorough look.

a fleeting glimpse of

Emphasizes how quickly the thing was viewed.

a swift observation of

Highlights the speed at which someone perceived something

a passing look at

Suggests a casual and perhaps unintentional view.

a snatched view of

Emphasizes that there was an opportunity taken advantage of to see something.

a casual glance at

Implies the way of seeing something wasn't formal or planned.

FAQs

How can I use "a peek at" in a sentence?

You can use "a peek at" to describe a brief look at something, such as "Let's take "a peek at" the new features" or "I wanted to get "a peek at" the surprise before the party".

What's a good alternative to "a peek at"?

Alternatives include "a glimpse of", "a quick look at", or "a brief view of", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a peek at" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a peek at" leans towards informal usage. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "a brief overview of" or "a cursory examination of" to maintain a more professional tone.

What does "a peek at" imply about the depth of examination?

"A peek at" suggests a very superficial or brief look. It implies that you're only seeing a small part of something and not conducting a detailed analysis.