a second glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a second glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to taking another look at something, often to reassess or notice details that were missed initially. Example: "After giving the painting a second glance, I realized the artist had hidden intricate details within the brushstrokes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now they attract barely a second glance.

The Economist

Hardly worth a second glance.

The New York Times

A second glance reveals more.

The New York Times

Bands weren't counting on a second glance.

The New York Times - Arts

Few people pay them a second glance.

The Guardian

It is easy to miss them, until a second glance.

The New York Times

"Oh," she said, giving the piece a second glance.

The New York Times

Most travelers walk by without a second glance.

The Washington Post

A second glance revealed just two hooves dragging.

The New York Times - Travel

Nobody but us gave him a second glance.

The New Yorker

Nobody gave the naked sculptures a second glance.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a second glance" when you want to emphasize that something wasn't immediately apparent and required further attention to be noticed or understood.

Common error

Avoid using "a second glance" when describing something blatantly obvious. The phrase implies a level of subtlety or hidden detail that necessitates a closer look.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a second glance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., "at a second glance") or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a second glance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies the act of re-evaluating something after an initial observation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general use in English. It's most commonly found in News & Media, suggesting a neutral register. When using the phrase, remember that it implies something was not immediately obvious. Consider alternatives like ""a second look"" or ""closer inspection"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The wide range of examples on Ludwig demonstrates its versatility and reliability in various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a second look

Replaces "glance" with "look", offering a more general term for visual inspection.

another look

Similar to "a second look", but emphasizes the act of looking again.

a deeper look

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the re-examination.

closer inspection

Focuses on a more detailed and careful examination.

further examination

Implies a more thorough investigation beyond the initial view.

a more discerning look

Implies that the second look is done with better judgment or understanding.

reappraisal

Suggests a formal or critical re-evaluation.

reconsideration

Shifts the focus from visual inspection to thoughtful re-evaluation.

a fresh perspective

Highlights a new angle or viewpoint taken upon re-evaluation.

second thought

Suggests a reflective reconsideration rather than a purely visual one.

FAQs

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

You can use "a second glance" to indicate that something was not noticed or understood immediately, requiring further attention. For example, "The painting seemed simple at first, but after "a second glance", I noticed the hidden details".

What are some alternatives to "a second glance"?

Alternatives include "a second look", "closer inspection", or "further examination", depending on the level of detail and scrutiny you want to convey.

What does it mean when something requires "a second glance"?

It means that the initial impression was incomplete or misleading, and a closer, more attentive look is needed to fully understand or appreciate it.

Is "a second glance" more about visual inspection or deeper analysis?

"A second glance" primarily implies a visual inspection, but often suggests that this inspection leads to a deeper analysis or understanding of the subject.