by glance

USAGE SUMMARY

"by glance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you or someone else quickly looked at or considered something without giving it much thought. For example: "I could tell by glance that something was wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Open image in new window Fig. 4 Number of glances to test device and 'other' locations by glance duration – All trials Personal navigation device.

European Transport Research Review

Open image in new window Fig. 3 Average duration of glances across all junctions by glance location and trial type personal navigation device.

European Transport Research Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And true to New York City, most passers-by glanced up without breaking stride.

The New York Times

People wandered by, glancing at us.

The Guardian

By glancing at the stream, I glance at my life.

The New York Times

A first series of pure vanadium films are prepared by glancing angle deposition (GLAD).

Surface and Coatings Technology

The nomenclature used in these fascicles will be readily understood by glancing at the different labels.

University of California, Berkeley

The structure was studied by glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GXRD).

Surface and Coatings Technology

He was overpowered by glancing, clublike punches, rather than "taken out," cleanly by classic blows.

The New Yorker

Andrus opened the inning by glancing a foul ball straight back into Molina's glove.

The New York Times

Michael Carberry obliged by glancing to a leg-slip placed exactly for the stroke.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by glance" to emphasize the speed and lack of detailed examination in an observation. For example, "I could tell by glance that he was upset."

Common error

While "by glance" is grammatically sound, it's less common than alternatives like "at a glance". Consider your audience; in highly formal writing, a more common phrasing might be preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by glance" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something is observed or understood. It specifies that the action is performed quickly and without detailed examination, as supported by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by glance" is grammatically correct but less common than alternatives like "at a glance". Ludwig AI confirms its usability, suggesting it conveys a rapid, almost instantaneous understanding. While acceptable, it's crucial to consider context and audience, as more common phrasings may be preferable in formal settings. Predominantly found in news and scientific articles, "by glance" serves to emphasize the speed and lack of detailed examination in an observation. Understanding its nuances allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a glance

Indicates information is immediately apparent upon looking.

with a fleeting glance

Highlights the transient nature of the look.

by briefly looking

Explicitly describes the action of looking briefly.

with a quick look

Emphasizes the speed and brevity of the observation.

in a glimpse

Suggests a very brief and fleeting view.

with a cursory look

Implies a superficial or perfunctory examination.

with a once-over

Suggests a rapid and comprehensive, though not necessarily detailed, examination.

upon first sight

Focuses on the initial visual impression.

at first blush

Refers to an immediate impression that may not be accurate upon closer inspection.

in passing

Indicates a casual observation made while moving or during another activity.

FAQs

What does "by glance" mean?

The phrase "by glance" means quickly looking at something without paying much attention to detail, similar to saying "at a quick look" or "at a glance".

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

You can use "by glance" to describe how something was observed or understood quickly. For example, "I could tell at a glance, or by glance, that the document was not properly formatted".

What are some alternatives to "by glance"?

Alternatives to "by glance" include phrases like "at a glance", "with a quick look", or "in a glimpse", which all convey the idea of a brief and rapid visual assessment.

Is it better to use "by glance" or "at a glance"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "at a glance" is generally more common and widely accepted in modern English. "By glance" is less frequent but can still be used effectively in certain contexts.