a quick glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick glance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something was looked at or observed in a very brief amount of time. For example: "I gave the report a quick glance and immediately understood the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Have a quick glance to see how the girl looks.

WikiHow

Just a quick glance.

The New York Times - Food

I took a quick glance and retreated.

The New York Times

That merits a quick glance.

The New York Times - Magazine

But a quick glance showed otherwise.

The New York Times

We have just had a quick glance.

The Guardian

(A quick glance back at "B.Y.T".

The New York Times - Style

I stole a quick glance in his direction.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

And with a quick glance, Skiba saw he was short of some other things.

The New York Times - Sports

At a quick glance, the statistics appeared to be vintage Manning.

The New York Times

He tries to take in with a quick glance a guest's level of comfort or distress.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick glance" when you want to convey that something was observed or inspected briefly, without thorough examination. It's suitable for setting a casual or informal tone.

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, relying on "a quick glance" excessively in formal reports or academic papers can undermine the perceived depth of your analysis. Consider using more precise terms like "brief assessment" or "cursory review" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick glance" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of looking briefly at something. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to indicate a swift, often cursory, observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a quick glance" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a brief or cursory look. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as in more informal writing. While suitable for many contexts, it may be too informal for certain formal or academic settings, where alternatives such as "brief assessment" or "cursory review" might be more appropriate. When using "a quick glance", ensure it aligns with the tone and register of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief look

Substitutes "glance" with the more general term "look" while retaining the brevity.

a passing look

Highlights the casual and non-deliberate nature of the look.

a fleeting glimpse

Emphasizes the momentary nature of the look, highlighting its transience.

a swift scan

Uses the word "scan" to emphasize a quick and comprehensive look.

a cursory examination

Replaces the informal "glance" with a more formal and thorough term, but still implies brevity.

a fast peek

Replaces "glance" with the more informal "peek", suggesting a furtive look.

a swift observation

Focuses on the act of observing rather than the manner of looking, implying speed.

a brief survey

Substitutes "glance" with the term "survey" while retaining the brevity.

a casual survey

Implies a less focused and more general overview.

a short view

A more literal and straightforward way to describe a brief visual perception.

FAQs

How can I use "a quick glance" in a sentence?

You can use "a quick glance" to describe a brief look at something. For instance, "I gave the document "a quick glance" before the meeting" or "A quick glance at the data revealed a concerning trend."

What are some alternatives to "a quick glance"?

Some alternatives include "a brief look", "a cursory examination", or "a fleeting glimpse", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a quick glance" in formal writing?

While not inherently incorrect, "a quick glance" might be considered too informal for some formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "a brief assessment" or "a cursory review" in such cases.

What does "a quick glance" imply about the level of detail?

"A quick glance" suggests that the observation was not thorough or detailed. It implies a superficial examination rather than an in-depth analysis.