a scant glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scant glimpse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very brief or limited view of something, often implying that the view is insufficient or lacking in detail. Example: "As the curtain rose, the audience caught a scant glimpse of the elaborate set before the lights dimmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This single act affords a scant glimpse of the opera's sweep.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But there are scant glimpses of spouses or families, and barely a mention of Mr. McCready's struggle with Crohn's disease.

The New York Times

We're treated to a lengthy account of a visit Mr. Gill made to his cousin in eastern Kentucky, but given scant glimpses of other swaths of the country from the West to Florida to New England.

The New York Times - Books

The book provides scant glimpses of Mr. Weill's life outside the office, perhaps because he is so defined by his job.

The New York Times

Although the setting is apocalyptic, Mr. Burns offers only a scant and tentative glimpse at the disaster that brought the group together.

Huffington Post

You only get the scantest glimpses of the aliens -- who look like a cross between the alien from Alien and the clones from Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones: bio-mechanics at its most indistinct.

Huffington Post

(It has a scant soundtrack).

The New York Times

Democrats can point to a scant few.

The New York Times

Stitch, using a scant 1/4 " seam allowance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The process lasted a scant nine minutes.

The New York Times

Personal incomes rose a scant 0.2percentt in June.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a scant glimpse" when you want to emphasize that the view or understanding is both brief and insufficient. It adds a touch of understated criticism to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "a scant glimpse" in overly formal or technical contexts where a more direct description of limited information would be clearer. Overusing figurative language can diminish your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scant glimpse" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality of the "glimpse", indicating that it is minimal or insufficient. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is valid in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scant glimpse" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a brief and insufficient view or understanding of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, carrying a slightly critical tone. While not overly common, it's appropriate for neutral to slightly formal contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. Alternatives include "a fleeting look" or "a limited view", offering similar nuances. Using this phrase effectively involves being mindful of the context and avoiding overuse in technical settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mere glimpse

Replaces "scant" with "mere", highlighting the insignificance of the view.

a fleeting look

Replaces "glimpse" with "look" and "scant" with "fleeting", emphasizing the brevity of the view.

a passing glance

Emphasizes the speed and transience of the observation.

a brief peek

Substitutes both words to suggest a quick and furtive look.

a quick look

A simpler and more direct way to describe a brief observation.

a limited view

More direct and less figurative, focusing on the restricted nature of the view.

a superficial view

Highlights the lack of depth in the observation.

a minimal exposure

Focuses on the limited amount of exposure or information received.

an inadequate look

Directly criticizes the quality or sufficiency of the viewing opportunity.

a superficial impression

Shifts the focus to the resulting impression being shallow or incomplete.

FAQs

How can I use "a scant glimpse" in a sentence?

You can use "a scant glimpse" to describe a brief or inadequate view of something. For example: "The article offered only "a scant glimpse" of the complex issue".

What are some alternatives to "a scant glimpse"?

Alternatives include "a fleeting look", "a brief peek", or "a limited view", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a scant glimpse" formal or informal?

"A scant glimpse" is generally suitable for neutral to slightly formal writing. While not overly technical, it's more descriptive than everyday language.

What does "scant" mean in the phrase "a scant glimpse"?

In this context, "scant" means limited or barely sufficient. It emphasizes that the glimpse is not only brief but also provides very little information or understanding.