for a glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

"for a glimpse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a brief glance or a quick look at something. For example: She stopped by the store for a glimpse of the new clothes that had arrived.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Guests craned for a glimpse.

The New York Times - Style

For a glimpse, visit www.internext.com.br/demasi.

The New York Times - Travel

Watch the assets below for a glimpse behind the scenes:.

Independent

The group clustered together again, hoping for a glimpse.

The New Yorker

Tourists still showed up for a glimpse of the square.

The New York Times

He and another diplomat craned for a glimpse.

The New York Times - Magazine

Look west for a glimpse of Cardigan Bay.

The Guardian - Travel

Before leaving I ask for a glimpse of Powell's diaries.

The Guardian

Crowds did not clamor for a glimpse of him.

The New York Times

Is it worth it for a glimpse of a car?

The Guardian

Kelly!' the kids chant, waiting for a glimpse.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a glimpse" when you want to convey a brief or quick look, often implying that the view is incomplete or partial. For instance, "They opened the doors for a glimpse of the new exhibit."

Common error

Avoid using "for a glimpse" when describing a detailed or prolonged observation. "Glimpse" suggests brevity; use phrases like "for a detailed look" or "for an in-depth view" when describing something more comprehensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a glimpse" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating the purpose or reason for an action. It modifies verbs or nouns, specifying that the action is done to obtain a brief or incomplete view. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a glimpse" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the purpose of a brief or partial view. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Primarily found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register. Related phrases include "for a quick look" or "to get a peek", offering similar meanings. When using this phrase, be mindful of its connotation of brevity and avoid using it for prolonged or detailed observations. The prevalence of this phrase across diverse and authoritative sources underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a quick look

Replaces 'glimpse' with a more straightforward term for a brief view.

to get a peek

Uses 'peek' to suggest a secretive or brief look.

to catch a sight of

Emphasizes the act of seeing something, often unexpectedly.

for a brief view

Highlights the shortness of the viewing experience.

to have a look

A more casual way of saying to take a quick look.

to obtain a hint

Suggests gaining a slight understanding or clue.

for a fleeting moment

Focuses on the transience of the observation.

to steal a glance

Implies a quick, possibly furtive look.

to survey briefly

Describes a quick and comprehensive overview.

to see momentarily

Emphasizes the short duration of the sighting.

FAQs

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

Use "for a glimpse" to indicate a brief or quick look at something. For example, "Tourists lined up "for a glimpse" of the royal carriage".

What can I say instead of "for a glimpse"?

You can use alternatives like "for a quick look", "to get a peek", or "for a brief view" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "for a glimpse" in formal writing?

Yes, "for a glimpse" is suitable for various contexts, including formal writing, as it clearly conveys the idea of a brief look or insight. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "for a glimpse" and "for a view"?

"For a glimpse" implies a very brief or partial look, while "for a view" suggests a more complete or extended observation. Choose the phrase that best reflects the duration and completeness of the visual experience.