fleeting glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting glimpse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or momentary view of something, often implying that the sight was not lasting or fully comprehensible. Example: "As I walked through the crowded market, I caught a fleeting glimpse of a familiar face in the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was a fleeting glimpse at what I was doing then".

The New Yorker

The record allows a fleeting glimpse of Mary's sense of herself.

The New Yorker

Aside from Chanda's fleeting glimpse, An kept his cover in place after 1975.

The New Yorker

An insight is a fleeting glimpse of the brain's huge store of unknown knowledge.

The New Yorker

I caught a fleeting glimpse of a small group heading in for the night.

The New York Times

The Jane Seymour section briefly blossomed into a lusher melodiousness, a fleeting glimpse of love.

The New York Times - Arts

She liked him immediately and had a sudden, fleeting glimpse of their future together.

The New York Times - Style

McIlroy was another who caught a fleeting glimpse of the promised land before it faded away.

The Guardian - Sport

He unfolded it and waved it in the air briefly, allowing me a fleeting glimpse.

The New Yorker

Fleeting glimpse of an old man with his burro laden with plastic milk containers filled from some secret cenote.

The New Yorker

But it turned out to be nothing more than a fleeting glimpse of what could have been.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase when you want to emphasize the brevity and transience of an observation, especially when the moment is significant but short-lived.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting glimpse" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing feel repetitive. Opt for synonyms like "brief sighting" or "passing glance" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting glimpse" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "caught a fleeting glimpse"). According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable, and the examples demonstrate its role in describing brief visual experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleeting glimpse" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a brief or momentary view of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and appropriate in various contexts, most notably in news and media. When writing, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "brief sighting" or "passing glance" to enhance clarity and style. The phrase functions as a noun and serves to convey a sense of transience and partial observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief sighting

Focuses on the act of seeing something quickly, emphasizing the shortness of the observation.

transient view

Highlights the temporary nature of the view, implying it doesn't last long.

quick look

Emphasizes the speed of the action of looking, rather than the quality of the view.

cursory observation

Stresses the superficiality and lack of detail in the viewing experience.

passing glance

Implies a very casual and rapid look, almost unintentional.

momentary peek

Underscores the extremely short duration of the viewing opportunity.

rapid impression

Focuses on the mental image formed quickly, rather than the act of seeing.

ephemeral sighting

Highlights the fleeting and insubstantial nature of what was seen.

short view

A more direct, less nuanced way to convey a brief visual experience.

hasty look

Suggests the look was done quickly and perhaps carelessly.

FAQs

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

"Fleeting glimpse" describes a very brief or momentary view of something. Example: "I caught a "fleeting glimpse" of the sunset between the buildings."

What are some synonyms for "fleeting glimpse"?

Alternatives include "brief sighting", "passing glance", or "transient view". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "fleeting glimpse" formal or informal?

"Fleeting glimpse" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its usage depends more on the context than the setting.

What does "fleeting glimpse" imply about the observation?

It implies that the observation was both brief and incomplete. The observer did not have a full or sustained view of whatever they saw. The moment was ephemeral and quick to disappear.