by a quick glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a quick glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial or brief observation of something without going into detail. Example: "By a quick glance, it seems that the project is on track for completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Things are so low key, in fact, that neither shortstop is identified, except by a quick glance at their computer screens, where their names can be seen.

The New York Times

Any doubt that the American population is aging can be put to rest by a quick glance at a new report issued by the federal government.

The New York Times - Health

Given your recent articles on the subject of the impending assault on Iraq - yes it will happen - your question seems to be answered by a quick glance at your previous articles on the subject.

The Guardian

You get a sense of what discomfits them by a quick glance through the Walker Evans archive at photos of the Burroughs (really Gudger) family that have not become iconic — the ones in which they are smiling and dressed in their nicer clothes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mirren's legend of her own laziness (one that is easily belied by a quick glance at her résumé, with its forty-five films and thirty stage roles) is not, it seems, a pretension but a sort of psychological self-defense — a way of protecting the impulsive, childlike part of herself and her imagination.

The New Yorker

The official URL is http://faq.eu.playstation.com/bc and judging by a quick glance at the UK's website, most of the awesome Playstation 2 games are not supported.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Just a momentary shift in how we perceive our own social status prompted by even a quick glance at Instagram or a friend's Snapchat story can dramatically change how we function and feel.

University of California, Berkeley

In fact, you can see by even a quick glance at our map that no one state really showed up as being all about construction, extraction, and maintenance.

Huffington Post

Often when engineers are confronted by ethical problems, a quick glance at an engineering code of ethics is enough to encourage a decision that the engineer can live with.

Biomedical Ethics for Engineers Ethics and Decision Making in Biomedical and Biosystem Engineering

After she was mobbed by teammates, Delle Donne sneaked a quick glance toward the stands.

The New York Times - Sports

The vehicles were given a quick glance by the guards and sent on their way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by a quick glance" to introduce an observation or conclusion that is based on an immediate, often superficial, assessment. This phrase is useful when you want to convey that your judgment is preliminary and not deeply analyzed.

Common error

Avoid using "by a quick glance" when presenting detailed or thoroughly researched findings. This phrase suggests a lack of in-depth analysis, which can undermine the credibility of your argument if you are presenting detailed data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a quick glance" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the method or manner in which something is observed or assessed. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a correct and usable phrase. It introduces an observation based on a brief, often superficial, look.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by a quick glance" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an assessment or observation is based on a brief or superficial look. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, its suitability varies depending on the context, with news and media being the most common. For more formal settings, alternatives like "upon initial observation" or "from a brief inspection" may be more appropriate. Avoid using it when presenting detailed or thoroughly researched findings to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a cursory glance

Replaces "quick" with "cursory", indicating a superficial look.

at first sight

Emphasizes the immediate and initial impression gained upon seeing something.

upon initial observation

Highlights the act of observing something initially, often in a formal context.

after a swift observation

Replaces "quick" with "swift", implying a rapid assessment.

from a brief inspection

Focuses on a short and cursory examination of something.

with a cursory look

Similar to a brief inspection, but implies even less thoroughness.

on a brief survey

Implies a quick overview or scan of something.

on a superficial viewing

Emphasizes that the assessment is based on a surface-level view.

from a fleeting glimpse

Highlights the brief and transient nature of the observation.

with a passing look

Suggests a casual and non-committal observation.

FAQs

How can I use "by a quick glance" in a sentence?

Use "by a quick glance" to indicate that an assessment is based on a brief or initial look, suggesting a preliminary judgment. For instance, "By a quick glance, the project appears to be on schedule."

What are some alternatives to "by a quick glance"?

Alternatives include "at first sight", "upon initial observation", or "with a cursory look", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

What does "by a quick glance" imply about the depth of analysis?

"By a quick glance" implies a superficial or preliminary analysis, suggesting that the observation is not based on detailed examination or comprehensive data.

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

While grammatically correct, "by a quick glance" might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "upon initial observation" or "from a brief inspection" in those settings.