a single glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick look or observation of something, often implying that the glance is brief yet significant. Example: "With just a single glance, she could tell that something was wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The camera receives not a single glance.

The Guardian - Books

Your eyes take in the pictures at a single glance.

The New York Times - Arts

Even a single glance would erase so much.

The New York Times

You can't paint a portrait on the basis of a single glance.

The Guardian - Tech

A single glance belied the reports that India's glaciers are stable.

The New Yorker

He could ride horses, outrun collapsing temples and identify priceless historical objects at a single glance.

The Guardian - Film

The reason is only too obvious, even at a single glance to so many of your contemporaries.

The New Yorker

With a single glance across time, you behold the profane and the sacred in all their contrapuntal power.

The New York Times

This app symbolically displays the immediate forecast in a single glance, with clever color graphics that fill the screen.

The New York Times - Tech

He could talk about a wall-size Veronese as if he could see it in a single glance.

The New Yorker

All that information can even seem as if it was imparted in a single glance, like a lightning bolt.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single glance" to emphasize the speed and ease of understanding something. It suggests that the information is readily apparent and requires minimal effort to grasp.

Common error

Avoid using "a single glance" when describing observations that require careful analysis or detailed examination. This phrase is best suited for situations where the information is immediately accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single glance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a quick, comprehensive visual assessment. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single glance" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a quick, comprehensive visual assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It's suitable for conveying immediate understanding or recognition, appearing frequently in news, media, and scientific writing. While maintaining a neutral register, it can be used in both formal and informal settings. Remember to use it when the information is immediately accessible and avoid overusing it for complex observations. Consider alternatives like "a quick look" or "a brief glimpse" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick look

Focuses on the speed and brevity of the observation.

a brief glimpse

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of the view.

a fleeting look

Highlights the momentary aspect of the visual impression.

a cursory glance

Implies a superficial or not thorough examination.

a passing glance

Suggests the observation was incidental or while moving.

a swift look

Highlights the speed of the observation.

a momentary glimpse

Focuses on the very short duration of the observation.

an instant's view

Emphasizes the immediacy and speed of the observation.

a split-second look

Highlights that the view lasted only a fraction of a second.

a passing view

Suggests a quick view obtained while moving or in transit.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single glance" to describe something easily understood or immediately apparent. For example, "At "a single glance", it was clear the room was a mess."

What are some alternatives to "a single glance"?

Alternatives include "a quick look", "a brief glimpse", or "a cursory glance", each with slightly different connotations.

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

Yes, "a single glance" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context. It's a common and widely understood phrase.

Can "a single glance" be used to describe non-visual information?

While primarily visual, "a single glance" can be used metaphorically to describe understanding something quickly and easily, even if it's not seen. For example, "With "a single glance" at the data, they understood the problem."