a tiny glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tiny glimpse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a brief or limited view or insight into something. Example: "The documentary provided a tiny glimpse into the lives of the people living in the remote village."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

The selection from the permanent collection gives a tiny glimpse of the museum's 800,000 objects.

The Economist

It was a tiny glimpse of a war that goes on largely in obscurity.

The New Yorker

The above only provides a tiny glimpse of the predatory practices of major accountancy firms.

The Guardian - Opinion

In these we have a glimpse often only a tiny glimpse — of his sharp pic torial intelligence.

The New York Times

Here's a tiny glimpse of how: Our social service departments are meant to protect vulnerable children and adults.

The Guardian - Opinion

And we are given a tiny glimpse of the Russia the author left behind forever, "a northern country" with "bombs...churches... golden princes... / revolutionaries in raincoats...blizzards"...blizzards

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

To flick quickly through the pages in the dangerous area and catch a tiny fearful glimpse.

The Guardian - Books

The note, which provided only a tiny, unclear glimpse into the jurors' deliberations, seemed to suggest that the discord was not at the point of being heated.

The New York Times

It was like being handed a golden nugget and I skipped back into camp ecstatic at this tiny glimpse into the other world.

Independent

We had a too-tiny glimpse of his background – a muttered "our baby would be 24 now" to his wife – but then the murk and cobbled boredom intervened.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There were other weird and pleasant effects of this tiny glimpse of carless utopia.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tiny glimpse", consider whether a more descriptive adjective (e.g., tantalizing, disturbing) would add impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a tiny glimpse" when you actually have a comprehensive understanding or a significant amount of information. Doing so can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny glimpse" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It denotes a brief or partial view or understanding. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tiny glimpse" is a correct and commonly used phrase that effectively communicates a brief or limited view or understanding. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, suggesting a neutral formality level. While "a tiny glimpse" is widely accepted, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring the context aligns with the implication of a partial or initial understanding. Alternatives like "a brief peek" or "a fleeting insight" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief peek

Replaces "tiny glimpse" with a more informal term for a quick look.

a fleeting insight

Substitutes "glimpse" with "insight", emphasizing understanding rather than just seeing, and "tiny" with "fleeting" reinforcing the temporality.

a quick look

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the same idea of a brief view.

a small taste

Employs "taste" as a metaphor for experiencing something briefly, rather than visually.

a hint

Represents an indirect and subtle indication, less direct than a glimpse.

a soupçon

Uses a French-derived word to imply a very small amount or hint of something.

a whiff

Implies a brief and often superficial experience or exposure.

a trace

Suggests a minimal amount or sign, indicating something was present.

a suggestion

Conveys a less direct indication, implying something is possible or likely.

a shadow

Indicates an incomplete or obscured view, suggesting a partial understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tiny glimpse" to describe a brief or limited view or understanding of something. For example, "The trailer offered "a tiny glimpse" of what's to come".

What phrases are similar to "a tiny glimpse"?

Similar phrases include "a brief peek", "a fleeting insight", or "a quick look". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more formal way to say "a tiny glimpse"?

While "a tiny glimpse" is suitable for many contexts, you might consider phrases like "a fleeting insight" or "a preliminary indication" for more formal writing.

What's the difference between "a tiny glimpse" and "a slight glimpse"?

Both suggest a brief look, but "a tiny glimpse" emphasizes the limited amount of information gained, while "a slight glimpse" focuses more on the briefness of the view.