a small look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or quick glance at something. Example: "She took a small look at the document before making her decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's a juicy Kafka edit, a small look at how he artfully tweaked literary realism.

The New Yorker

His face registered a small look of pleasure, or was it surprise?

The New York Times

Keri Hilson, who collaborated on hits for Britney Spears and Usher, insisted her songs were built on her own relationships, calling them "a small look through the window of my life".

The New York Times - Arts

Djokovic double-faulted to give Nadal a small look and the Spaniard got his first break point after an hour and 12 minutes – but he had to scrap for the breakthrough.

The Guardian - Sport

"I had a small look at it [the semi-final] - we have to respect the decision of the referees," he told BBC Sport.

BBC

The sophistication of computer-hacking services sold on Russian language sites give a small look into the Russian underground that has cost Western firms billions in online banking fraud and credit card theft.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A bluff can make a small business look like a giant corporation.

Huffington Post

This will give you a small 3D look.

WikiHow

Make a small room look larger by painting the walls a light color.

WikiHow

If you have a small budget, look for thrift stores, Target, Ross, Rue 21, and Forever 21.

WikiHow

These are the ones which will make a small room look bigger.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small look" when you want to convey a quick or cursory glance at something. It is suitable in contexts where a detailed examination is not necessary or intended.

Common error

Avoid using "a small look" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language like "brief inspection" or "cursory review" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small look" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "take a look"). According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small look" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a brief visual inspection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "brief inspection". Remember that while similar to "a quick look", it implies even less attention to detail. Be careful not to overuse it in academic or technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick glance

Emphasizes the speed and brevity of the look.

a brief glimpse

Highlights the fleeting nature of the look.

a quick peek

Suggests a secretive or furtive look.

a short inspection

Implies a more careful and deliberate look, though still brief.

a passing glance

Focuses on the casual and uncommitted nature of the look.

a fleeting view

Emphasizes the ephemeral nature of the visual experience.

a cursory examination

Indicates a superficial or perfunctory look.

a swift observation

Highlights the speed and efficiency of the visual assessment.

a narrow perspective

Shifts the focus to the limited scope of the view.

a limited viewpoint

Similar to "a narrow perspective", emphasizing the constrained field of vision.

FAQs

How can I use "a small look" in a sentence?

You can use "a small look" to describe a brief or quick glance. For example, "I took "a small look" at the data before making a decision".

What can I say instead of "a small look"?

You can use alternatives like "a quick glance", "a brief glimpse", or "a quick peek" depending on the context.

Is "a small look" the same as "a quick look"?

While similar, "a small look" might imply even less attention or detail than "a quick look". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a small look" versus "a detailed examination"?

"A small look" is suitable for situations where a superficial assessment is sufficient. A "detailed examination" is necessary when a thorough understanding or analysis is required.