cursory glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cursory glance" is correct and it can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a quick look or an initial glance that is done quickly, usually in order to get a general idea of something. For example: "She gave the report a cursory glance before presenting it to her boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The most cursory glance at the classics..".

The New Yorker

A cursory glance at human history suggests otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

A cursory glance at his oeuvre suggests not.

The Guardian

The brooch is clearly original, even at a cursory glance.

The New York Times - Style

A cursory glance might suggest not much yet all have deeply irked Israel.

Independent

This, Lev Sercarz made clear, was but a cursory glance at the syllabus to Pepper 101.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sushi chefs roaming the Tokyo fish market can appraise a bluefin steak with a cursory glance.

The New York Times

That becomes clear after a cursory glance at the labels of many gluten-free products.

The New Yorker

A cursory glance at the latest FIFA rankings would corroborate this assessment.

The New York Times

A cursory glance at almost any current music publication shows male writers still vastly outnumbering females.

Independent

He was a lone white boy whom no one gave more than a cursory glance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cursory glance" when you want to convey that something was looked at quickly and without much attention to detail. It implies a lack of thoroughness but can be useful for initial assessments or overviews.

Common error

Avoid using "cursory glance" when you actually mean a detailed or thorough review. The phrase explicitly indicates a lack of depth and attention. Choose words like "examination" or "analysis" instead to highlight the depth of the review.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cursory glance" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the act of looking at something briefly and superficially. As Ludwig's examples show, it conveys a lack of thoroughness or detailed examination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cursory glance" is a common and correct way to describe a brief and superficial look at something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to indicate a lack of thoroughness, often in contrast to a more detailed examination. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources but also appears in academic writing, maintaining a neutral tone. When using "cursory glance", ensure it accurately reflects the level of detail involved in the observation to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives like "quick look" or "passing glance" can be used for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cursory inspection

Replaces 'glance' with 'inspection' emphasizing the act of examining.

passing glance

Highlights the casual and transient nature of the look.

fleeting glimpse

Emphasizes how brief and momentary the look is.

quick look

Focuses on speed of the action.

brief look

Emphasizes the short duration of the observation.

hasty look

Implies a rushed or hurried observation.

casual observation

Emphasizes informality and lack of meticulousness.

superficial examination

Shifts focus to the lack of depth in the inspection.

perfunctory observation

Stresses the lack of genuine interest or care in the act.

summary review

Implies an overview or abridgment.

FAQs

What does "cursory glance" mean?

A "cursory glance" refers to a quick, brief look at something, lacking thoroughness or detail. It suggests a superficial assessment.

How to use "cursory glance" in a sentence?

You might say, "After a "cursory glance" at the report, I realized it needed more revisions."

What are some alternatives to "cursory glance"?

Alternatives include "quick look", "passing glance", or "brief look". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "cursory glance" formal or informal?

"Cursory glance" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "superficial examination" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.