at a glance

USAGE SUMMARY

"at a glance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to quickly describe what you see or to suggest that something is likely to be true based on a cursory look. For example: "At a glance, I could tell that the room was decorated in a modern style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Senescence at a glance.

Nature

At a glance, the events seem unremarkable.

The New York Times - Sports

"You could tell that at a glance.

The New York Times

Lipid droplets at a glance.

Harvard University

Mammalian cytosine methylation at a glance.

Harvard University

The LC3 interactome at a glance.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Here's an at-a-glance look at the entire country.

Independent

Here's an at-a-glance guide.

BBC

Z750a Phone At-A-Glance.

TechCrunch

BEST: At-a-glance graphs show performance instantly.

Forbes

BEST: At-a-glance indexes table on the main page.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a glance" to introduce summaries or overviews, helping readers quickly grasp key information. For instance, "At a glance, the data reveals a significant increase in sales."

Common error

Avoid using "at a glance" when describing insights derived from detailed analysis. This phrase is best suited for initial, superficial observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a glance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something is perceived or understood. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a glance" is a versatile and commonly used expression that denotes a quick, initial understanding or overview. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "immediately" or "at first sight" exist, "at a glance" specifically implies a visual and immediate assessment. When using it, ensure it aligns with superficial observations rather than in-depth analysis to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a glimpse

Similar, but suggests a briefer or less thorough look.

at first sight

Emphasizes the visual aspect and initial impression.

upon first inspection

Highlights the initial examination aspect more explicitly.

with a quick look

More descriptive, specifying the action of looking quickly.

immediately

Focuses on the speed of understanding, omitting the visual aspect.

instantly

Emphasizes the lack of delay in comprehension, not necessarily visual.

on the surface

Implies a potential difference between the initial appearance and deeper reality.

in a flash

Focuses on the speed and suddenness of the observation.

offhand

Suggests a casual or informal assessment.

perfunctorily

Suggests a lack of interest or thoroughness in the examination.

FAQs

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

Use "at a glance" to describe something that is immediately apparent or easily understood upon a quick inspection. For example: "At a glance, the problem seems simple."

What are some synonyms for "at a glance"?

Alternatives to "at a glance" include "immediately", "instantly", or "at first sight", depending on the context and nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "at a glance" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to introduce a quick summary or overview.

What's the difference between "at a glance" and "in detail"?

"At a glance" suggests a quick, initial impression, while "in detail" implies a thorough, comprehensive examination. They are contrasting concepts.