brief look

USAGE SUMMARY

"brief look" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to quickly describe someone or something taking a short glance at something. For example: She stopped typing to give the document a brief look before submitting it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We had a brief look at it.

Independent

Here's a brief look behind the uproar.

The New York Times

Here's a brief look back, in pictures.

University of California, Berkeley

A brief look at future trends concludes the chapter.

Implantable Sensor Systems for Medical Applications

A brief look back can explain why.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Then, there's a brief look of shock.

The New York Times

Here is a quick and brief look back and ahead.

The New York Times

Take a brief look at HUD's budget, for example.

The New York Times

Lastly, there is a brief look at disorders of growth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even a brief look around reveals the inevitable result.

The Washington Post

A brief look at the evidence shows why.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief look" when you want to emphasize that an examination or observation was not thorough or in-depth. It's useful for setting expectations or describing a preliminary assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "brief look" when you actually conducted a comprehensive analysis. Using it in such a context can undermine the credibility of your findings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief look" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the act of quickly examining something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

29%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief look" is a commonly used phrase that signifies a quick and non-thorough examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into various contexts ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While it is generally neutral in tone, it's essential to avoid overstating the depth of analysis when using this phrase. Alternatives like "quick glance" or "cursory inspection" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to use "brief look" when you want to prepare your audience for an overview or summary rather than a deep dive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick glance

Emphasizes the speed and brevity of the observation.

passing glance

Similar to "quick glance", but with a slightly more casual feel.

a moment's look

Emphasizes the short duration of the viewing.

cursory inspection

Suggests a superficial or perfunctory examination.

brief survey

Implies a quick overview of a larger area or topic.

hasty observation

Highlights the rushed nature of the viewing.

swift peek

Suggests a quick and often surreptitious look.

fleeting glimpse

Conveys the idea of a very short and indistinct view.

preliminary assessment

Indicates an initial and not fully comprehensive evaluation.

superficial examination

Highlights the lack of depth in the analysis.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief look" to indicate a quick and not very detailed examination. For example, "Here's a "brief look" at the key points of the report."

What are some alternatives to "brief look"?

Alternatives include "quick glance", "cursory inspection", or "hasty observation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "brief look" versus a more detailed description?

Use "brief look" when the situation involves a short, high-level overview. If you are describing a more thorough analysis, use terms like "detailed analysis" or "comprehensive review".

Is "brief look" formal or informal?

"Brief look" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might opt for a more precise term like "preliminary assessment".