a simple glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or casual look at something without much detail or consideration. Example: "With just a simple glance, she could tell that something was wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"The watch makes this even more true – it's a simple glance, quick interaction device.

The Guardian - Tech

The complex interplay of lines and curves, highlights and shadows around the Optima's roof helps to hold a viewer's interest beyond a simple glance.

The New York Times

Then again, he is aware that a simple glance at his roster, with three starting spots up for grabs, suggests otherwise.

The New York Times

A simple glance at the half-full trays sent back at elementary school cafeterias would confirm suspicions that many children eat little of their lunches.

The New York Times - Health

This was gross in every way and a simple glance in Alvarez's direction at the final bell told the real story of what was a ridiculously easy night for Mayweather.

Independent

Then, just before the lights go down, Ms. Lamm ties the three seemingly unrelated stories together with a simple glance at her swollen belly: where Iraq is concerned, we understand, something has gone drastically wrong with the cycle of life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

— A simple nod, glance or gesture.

The New York Times - Sports

The screen is a bit dark and unreadable at acute angles but I always enjoyed being able to read my steps taken with a simple direct glance at the watch, something almost none of the other fitness devices offer.

TechCrunch

These works also interact with the artist's own creative process, as he describes finding his subjects as "this serendipitous thing where I am in the streets, running into people who resonate with me," based on simple glances or prolonged eye contact.

Vice

Where Barbara discovers Sheba's secret in the book by seeing a simple exchange of glances, in the film the illicit couple are semi-naked and in full embrace.

The Guardian - Books

In addition, the water contact angle was significantly improved by a simple factor of glancing angle.

Applied Surface Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a simple glance" when you want to emphasize the ease and speed of understanding something visually, often implying that the information is readily apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "a simple glance" when describing situations that require detailed analysis or careful consideration. This phrase is best suited for conveying immediate, surface-level understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple glance" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It modifies an action, indicating the manner in which something is observed or understood. As Ludwig AI remarks, it denotes a quick or casual look.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple glance" is a noun phrase used to describe a quick and effortless visual assessment. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, with other contexts including science and general knowledge sources. The phrase conveys ease of understanding and is suitable for various writing styles, although should be used judiciously to ensure nuance and meaning are accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick look

Focuses on the speed and brevity of the visual inspection.

a fleeting glimpse

Suggests the image is only visible for a very short amount of time.

a swift view

Emphasizes speed and efficiency in seeing something.

a brief peek

Emphasizes a very short and often surreptitious look.

a fast scan

Conveys a rapid and comprehensive visual search.

a passing look

Indicates a casual and unintentional observation.

a cursory examination

Highlights the lack of thoroughness in the inspection.

a short observation

Highlights the limited duration of the visual act.

a surface inspection

Highlights that only the superficial aspects are being assessed.

a preliminary assessment

Focuses on it being the first look or evaluation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a simple glance" to describe how easily something can be understood or assessed, such as, "With "a simple glance" at the data, the problem became clear."

What are some alternatives to "a simple glance"?

Some alternatives include "a quick look", "a brief peek", or "a cursory examination", each offering a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a simple glance" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to convey that something is easily understood at first sight, but be mindful that it implies lack of deep inspection and should be used carefully.

What's the difference between "a simple glance" and "a thorough review"?

"A simple glance" suggests a quick, superficial observation, while "a thorough review" implies a detailed and comprehensive analysis. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the depth of examination.