casual glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "casual glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick, informal look at something without deep focus or attention. Example: "She took a casual glance at her phone while waiting for the bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thomas gives it a casual glance.

The Guardian - Arts

At a casual glance, the film could pass for subversive.

The Economist

She exuded magic, even in a casual glance.

The New York Times - Books

Consumers, of course, might be afraid that a casual glance could prompt an unintended action.

The New York Times

A CASUAL glance might suggest this to be a golden age for Russian diplomacy.

The Economist

It looked on paper angular and explosive to the casual glance aggressive even.

The Economist

At a casual glance on a ballot paper, term limits might seem like a great idea.

The Economist

One problem is apparent from a casual glance at a prototype car: lidar sensors are bulky.

MIT Technology Review

At a casual glance, a loudspeaker enclosure seems just a container - simply a box.

The New York Times - Arts

Until recently, even a casual glance at such a photo would make La Russa smile.

The New York Times - Sports

At a casual glance, you'd swear the Santa Fe was a size smaller than any of them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "casual glance" to indicate a brief, informal observation, such as when quickly assessing a situation or object without detailed scrutiny.

Common error

Avoid using "casual glance" when the context requires a more thorough or careful examination. "Casual" implies informality, not negligence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casual glance" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates that it correctly describes a brief, informal look. For example, "A casual glance might suggest..." illustrates its function as a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "casual glance" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a brief, informal look. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian. It's predominantly found in news and media contexts, and its purpose is to convey a lack of detailed scrutiny. While alternatives like "quick look" and "brief glimpse" exist, "casual glance" remains a widely recognized and understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick look

Emphasizes the speed and brevity of the observation.

glancing look

Describes a look that strikes a surface and moves on.

brief glimpse

Suggests a very short and often incomplete view.

cursory observation

Highlights the lack of thoroughness in the examination.

fleeting view

Indicates that the view was very short-lived or transient.

passing look

Implies a look given while moving or passing by.

hasty peek

Suggests a quick and perhaps secretive look.

perfunctory check

Emphasizes the routine or obligatory nature of the look.

swift survey

Implies a rapid scan of an area or object.

superficial examination

Highlights that the observation didn't go deep into details.

FAQs

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

You can use "casual glance" to describe a quick look at something, for example: "With a casual glance, he assessed the room." or "A casual glance at the data revealed a trend".

What's a good alternative to "casual glance"?

Alternatives include "quick look", "brief glimpse", or "cursory observation" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a casually glancing" instead of "casual glance"?

While "casually glancing" is grammatically correct as a verb phrase, "casual glance" is a more concise and commonly used noun phrase to describe a quick look.

What's the difference between "casual glance" and "intense stare"?

"Casual glance" implies a brief, almost dismissive look, while "intense stare" suggests a focused, prolonged observation.