a quick glance at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick glance at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief look or examination of something. Example: "After a quick glance at the report, I realized there were several errors that needed correction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A quick glance at our yearbook refreshed his memory.

The New Yorker

A quick glance at history shows this is rubbish.

The Economist

A quick glance at the current Cabinet will suffice.

Independent

Frightened, he took a quick glance at her.

The New York Times

A quick glance at staffers' threads and heels suggests otherwise.

The Washington Post

A quick glance at Wikipedia is sufficient to tell you that.

Columbia University

It requires only a quick glance at Pagan to see what a gifted athlete he is.

The New York Times - Sports

Scheherazade shot a quick glance at the clock next to the bed before continuing.

The New Yorker

A quick glance at the menu shows the appropriateness of the heterogeneous decor.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A quick glance at the letters page of Socialist Worker, however, should give us a clue.

The Guardian

Rafferty shot a quick glance at Caldwell and then nodded at McWilliams.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, consider stronger synonyms like "cursory examination" to convey a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick glance at" when a more thorough or in-depth analysis is required. This phrase suggests a superficial understanding, so ensure your analysis aligns with the level of detail implied by the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick glance at" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb by indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It serves to describe the act of briefly examining something, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a quick glance at" is a grammatically sound and very common prepositional phrase used to introduce a brief examination or overview of something. As Ludwig AI validates, it is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to consider the level of formality required and choose synonyms like "cursory examination" for more formal or academic settings. Remember to use this phrase when a superficial understanding is sufficient and avoid it when a deeper analysis is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief look at

Emphasizes the brevity of the examination.

a swift look at

Highlights the speed of the action.

a cursory examination of

Suggests a more formal and less detailed review.

a fleeting glimpse of

Implies a very short and often incomplete view.

a passing look at

Indicates a casual and not very thorough inspection.

a fast check of

Focuses on the speed and purpose of verification.

a preliminary assessment of

Suggests an initial evaluation before a more in-depth analysis.

a superficial scan of

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the review.

a short study of

Implies an effort of studying, although being a short one.

a casual view of

Highlights the informality and lack of rigor.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick glance at" to introduce a brief overview or summary. For instance, "A quick glance at the data reveals a significant increase in sales".

What are some alternatives to "a quick glance at"?

Alternatives include "a brief look at", "a swift overview of", or "a cursory examination of", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a quick glance at" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to indicate that you are only providing a brief or superficial overview of something, rather than a detailed analysis.

Is "a quick glance at" suitable for formal writing?

While acceptable, "a quick glance at" might be considered informal for academic or professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "a preliminary assessment of" for a more formal tone.