compelling glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

"compelling glimpse" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a brief but powerful observation or impression. Example: As she gazed out the window, she caught a compelling glimpse of the sprawling city below, with its glittering lights and bustling streets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Tannenbaum described the conversation as brief, but it gave a compelling glimpse of the Jets' plans at quarterback.

The New York Times - Sports

The addition of Heather Kuzmich to an otherwise superficial show has given millions of viewers an unusual and compelling glimpse into the little-understood world of Asperger's.

The New York Times - Health

But this was a thoughtful reading that offered a compelling glimpse at the continual expansion and contraction that drives Brahms's piano music.

The New York Times - Arts

Charting her rapid rise to surfing legend, the challenges of dealing with fame and celebrity and the difficult recovery following the attack, the film offers a compelling glimpse into the world of a pro-surfer.

The Guardian - Travel

Unlike Macur's book, last year's "Wheelmen" offers a compelling glimpse into the inner workings of professional cycling, including racing itself.

Los Angeles Times

Dhobi Ghat offers us a brief but compelling glimpse into the incredibly complex web of life in the Maximum City.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I find myself still wanting to know more about this lyrical Cairo of hers of which we catch only fleeting and compelling glimpses.

The Guardian - Books

The book contains a number of revelations about the backstage manoeuvring that went on behind the proclamations and photocalls (you can read about them in the Guardian next week), but it is the little details, recorded by Powell the diarist, that offer some of the most compelling glimpses into the negotiations - and beyond into the workings of the Blair machine.

The Guardian

His company has produced a mock-up of an edition of Sports Illustrated, complete with video and interactive ads, which provides a compelling, if hypothetical, glimpse into the future of magazines.In important ways the consortium resembles Hulu, an outfit Mr Squires praises as "artful".

The Economist

Crawshay, author of the 1935 study, makes compelling arguments that he glimpsed the fireworms, Dr. Smith said.

The New York Times

The most significant object, a prayer niche called the mihrab, exerts a compelling power even when glimpsed through the living room doorway.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional connotation when using "compelling glimpse". It implies something that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Avoid using it for trivial or mundane subjects.

Common error

Avoid using "compelling glimpse" for simple or everyday observations. The phrase carries a sense of importance and intrigue; applying it to trivial scenarios can dilute its impact. Instead, reserve it for moments or insights that genuinely captivate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compelling glimpse" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "compelling" modifies the noun "glimpse". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and often used to describe a brief but powerful observation or impression. The examples provided by Ludwig further showcase how this phrase is employed in various contexts to introduce captivating insights.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compelling glimpse" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes a brief but captivating view or understanding. According to Ludwig AI, it's often used to describe powerful observations. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it carries a neutral to sophisticated tone. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios where the subject matter is genuinely intriguing and can benefit from the added emphasis on captivation. Alternatives such as "captivating peek" or "fascinating insight" may be more suitable in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

captivating peek

Replaces "glimpse" with "peek", suggesting a slightly more informal and quick look.

fascinating insight

Substitutes "glimpse" with "insight", highlighting the understanding gained rather than just the visual aspect.

arresting preview

Uses "arresting" for a more forceful impact and "preview" to suggest something upcoming.

intriguing snapshot

Emphasizes the brief and momentary nature of the observation, like a photograph.

enthralling vista

Replaces "glimpse" with "vista", suggesting a broader, more scenic view that is equally captivating.

alluring vision

Substitutes "glimpse" with "vision", implying a more profound or imaginative view.

riveting impression

Focuses on the lasting effect the brief view has on the observer.

remarkable sighting

Highlights the unexpected or noteworthy nature of what was seen.

striking flash

Suggests a very brief, almost instantaneous, but memorable view.

notable observation

Shifts focus to the act of observing and the significance of what was noted.

FAQs

How can I use "compelling glimpse" in a sentence?

You can use "compelling glimpse" to describe a brief but powerful view or understanding. For example, "The documentary offered a "compelling glimpse" into the lives of refugees".

What can I say instead of "compelling glimpse"?

You can use alternatives like "captivating peek", "fascinating insight", or "arresting preview" depending on the context.

Is "compelling glimpse" formal or informal?

"Compelling glimpse" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. However, it leans slightly towards a more sophisticated or thoughtful tone.

What makes a glimpse "compelling"?

A "compelling" glimpse is one that is particularly captivating, intriguing, or thought-provoking. It suggests that the brief view offers a significant or impactful understanding.