a small peek

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small peek" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or quick look at something, often implying curiosity or a desire to see something without fully engaging with it. Example: "She took a small peek at the surprise party preparations from behind the door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Alton Brown's eighth cookbook is the first in which he offers at least a small peek at the ways he cooks and eats at home.

The New York Times - Food

And the debate is being driven in part by the fact that news outlets including BBC News took a small peek into the machine of modern-day astrophysics.

BBC

That's a small peek into the mind of the Endangered White Male.

Huffington Post

But this is a small peek into the world in which Burns worked.

Huffington Post

And the trailer offers only a small peek into how Pixar has imagined it to be.

Huffington Post

Now a newly leaked deposition from the action star's legal proceeding against Bauer Publishing is giving a small peek behind the scenes.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The fourth is a small, unsettling peek at the use of digital imaging to measure the effects of stress on living cells.

The New York Times - Arts

Other studios have recently tried versions of this to successful ends; Paramount, for instance, did a small sneak peek of "Super 8" over the summer (325 locations) in partnership with Twitter.

The New York Times

Click below for a small sneak peek at the Jennifer Lopez Collection for Kohl's.

Huffington Post

A small sneak peek for our https://t.co/l67j980tar installation at the @imagegallerynyc on sunday #DSG pic.twitter.com/AFpvPHKpvz.

Huffington Post

Plus, the Ronsons were utterly dwarfed by the celebrities - my brother was a small Frankenstein, peeking out behind Clint Eastwood's shoulder.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small peek" when you want to convey the idea of a brief and often secretive look at something, suggesting curiosity or a limited reveal. It's best suited for contexts where a full view isn't possible or intended.

Common error

Avoid using "a small peek" when a thorough examination or detailed understanding is required. This phrase suggests a superficial look, not in-depth analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small peek" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb. Ludwig examples demonstrate it describing the act of briefly viewing or previewing something. It provides a sense of limited or incomplete access to information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small peek" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's suitable for describing a brief or quick look at something, often implying a sense of curiosity or limited access. While its frequency is uncommon, it finds its primary use in news, media and wiki content. When used in formal contexts, consider a more sophisticated alternative like "a brief glimpse". Ludwig examples reveal how it can be used to express the act of briefly viewing something providing a sense of incomplete access to information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief look

Simple and direct alternative emphasizing the short duration.

a little glimpse

Similar meaning but uses 'little' for slight variation.

a brief glimpse

Focuses on the fleeting nature of the look.

a quick glance

Emphasizes the speed and brevity of the look.

a tiny glimpse

Emphasizes how minimal the viewing is.

a fleeting look

Highlights the short duration of the visual experience.

a quick view

Highlights the viewing experience as swift.

a passing glance

Indicates a casual and superficial observation.

a partial view

Highlights that the view is not complete or comprehensive.

a limited view

Indicates restrictions or boundaries on what can be seen.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small peek" to describe a brief or quick look at something, like "The trailer offered "a small peek" at the upcoming movie".

What phrases are similar to "a small peek"?

Alternatives include "a quick glance", "a brief look", or "a fleeting look". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a small peek" in formal writing?

While "a small peek" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "a brief glimpse" or "a quick observation" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "a small peek" and "a sneak peek"?

"A sneak peek" implies a preview that is intentionally shown before something is officially released. "A small peek" simply refers to a quick or limited view, without necessarily being an official preview.