cursory read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cursory read" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually means that someone only looked over something quickly or at a surface level, without taking the time to read it thoroughly. For example, "I gave the document a cursory read, but I don't think I spotted any major mistakes".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

MSNBC: "What Took Trump's Republican Critics So Long?" If you only have time for a cursory read, scanning the headlines and dipping in here and there offers a decent fix.

The New Yorker

Hitler clearly gave Darwin a cursory read and extrapolated liberally.

Vice

A cursory read through the exchange paints Swinton as responsibly conscious in asking the hard questions about race.

Huffington Post

Hemingway scholars think the work is more complicated and important than a cursory read suggests.

Wikipedia

"When I got this script, I felt I had to give it a cursory read to explain why I wouldn't do it.

Huffington Post

However, these scores were so divergent from where I believed they should be that I have to believe that the portfolio was given only a cursory read at best.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

So, at least, the exchange appears on a cursory reading.

The New Yorker

A cursory reading of the libretto gives rise to yet another urgent question.

The New York Times

Even a cursory reading of the bill yields two stark conclusions.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is much more to his words than cursory reading could unravel.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet even a cursory reading of the workings of this bill demonstrates that it goes against each of these goods.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cursory read" when you want to convey that something was reviewed quickly, without deep analysis. It is appropriate when time is limited or a detailed understanding is not necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "cursory read" when you actually performed a thorough analysis. This phrase implies a lack of depth, so ensure it aligns with the actual level of engagement with the text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cursory read" functions as a noun phrase, describing the act of reading something quickly or superficially. It's often used to indicate that a document or text has been reviewed without deep engagement. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cursory read" describes a superficial engagement with text, indicating a quick review without deep analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, reflecting its neutral tone and widespread applicability. While grammatically sound, alternatives like "quick glance" or "skim through" may better suit specific contexts. Use "cursory read" when accurately portraying a surface-level review, avoiding overstatements about comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superficial reading

Directly conveys the lack of depth in understanding.

skim through

Indicates a light and rapid reading without thorough comprehension.

glance over

Similar to 'skim', but suggests even less attention to detail.

quick glance

Focuses on the speed and brevity of the action.

scan rapidly

Highlights the visual aspect of quickly going over text.

brief overview

Highlights the summarization aspect, lacking depth.

light review

Implies a non-intensive examination of the material.

hasty perusal

Emphasizes the hurried and potentially careless nature of the reading.

fleeting look

Suggests a very short and possibly incomplete observation.

casual inspection

Emphasizes the informal and relaxed approach to examination.

FAQs

What does "cursory read" mean?

A "cursory read" means to examine something quickly and superficially, without paying close attention to detail. It implies a lack of thoroughness.

How to use "cursory read" in a sentence?

Example: "I gave the report a "cursory read" before the meeting, but I didn't have time to analyze all the data."

What can I say instead of "cursory read"?

You can use alternatives like "quick glance", "skim through", or "superficial reading" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to do a "cursory read"?

A "cursory read" is appropriate when you need to get a general sense of the material quickly, or when the material is not critical and a detailed understanding is not necessary.