a swift glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a swift glimpse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or fleeting look at something, often implying that the observation was brief and not in-depth. Example: "As I walked past the gallery, I caught a swift glimpse of the stunning artwork displayed in the window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The curtain fell aside slightly at one point, giving the audience a very swift glimpse of her left breast.

The Guardian - Music

One morning, as I made a swift visit before work, I glimpsed a harrier in the distance.

The Guardian

A Swift machine.

The Economist

A swift escalation.

The Guardian

There was a swift apology.

The Guardian

It was a swift turnaround.

The New York Times

Prosecutors got a swift conviction.

The New Yorker

This is a swift change.

The New York Times

The Egyptian authorities vowed a swift response.

The New York Times

They may not get a swift answer.

The Economist

The announcement prompted a swift response.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a swift glimpse" when you want to emphasize both the speed and the incompleteness of an observation. It suggests a quick look that doesn't allow for detailed examination.

Common error

Avoid using "a swift glimpse" when you mean to describe a detailed or comprehensive examination. The phrase implies a brief and incomplete look, not a careful study.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a swift glimpse" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb (e.g., 'caught a swift glimpse'). As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a quick, often incomplete, observation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a swift glimpse" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a brief and often incomplete observation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, though perhaps less common in strictly formal writing. Alternatives like "a quick peek" or "a fleeting glance" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. While its frequency is relatively rare, understanding its meaning and usage can enhance the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a momentary glimpse

Adds "momentary" to emphasize the short duration of the glimpse.

a short glimpse

Emphasizes brevity of glimpse.

a quick peek

Replaces "glimpse" with "peek", suggesting a furtive or playful look.

a fleeting glance

Substitutes "swift" with "fleeting" and "glimpse" with "glance", emphasizing the brevity of the look.

a brief sighting

Replaces "glimpse" with "sighting", implying something was briefly seen, often unexpectedly.

a passing view

Uses "passing view" to highlight the transient nature of the observation.

a rapid look

Emphasizes the speed of the look using "rapid" instead of "swift".

a split-second view

Uses "split-second" to highlight an extremely short viewing time.

a hasty look

Replaces "swift" with "hasty", suggesting the look was done quickly, possibly due to urgency.

a fast peek

Uses "fast" instead of "swift" and "peek" instead of "glimpse", creating a more informal tone.

FAQs

What does "a swift glimpse" mean?

The phrase "a swift glimpse" refers to a very quick or brief look at something, often suggesting that the observation was not thorough or detailed.

How can I use "a swift glimpse" in a sentence?

You might say, "I caught "a swift glimpse" of the mountains as the train passed through the tunnel", indicating a brief and fleeting view.

What are some alternatives to "a swift glimpse"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "a swift glimpse" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a swift glimpse" might be more suited for informal or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "a brief observation" or "a quick assessment" for a more professional tone.