get a gander

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get a gander" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean "take a look" or "glance at something." Example: "If you're curious about the new exhibit, you should get a gander at it before it closes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

To get a gander at this work, by Francis Upritchard, a viewer pretty much has to be sitting beside it.

The New York Times

"I do wish that all of us could go outside for just a moment and get a gander of those ships".

The New York Times

Negotiation is possible thanks to her enthusiastic English-speaking cronies nesting around her like protective birds, assuring all that she is here selling "every day, every day!" 1 P.M. Get a gander at the Oceana Condominium and Club, 75 Oceana Drive East, a huge 15-building housing development built between 2001 and 2007.

The New York Times

Did she get a gander at how horrible her botched nose work had looked on TV, and get it redone?

Huffington Post

One day you may be looking for a job and your potential boss may get a gander at your Facebook page.

Huffington Post

While others see your new wheels parked in front of your house, they don't generally don't get a gander at your net worth statement.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Often the best way to get an edge, if you can, is getting a gander at what the other guy is going to do before he does it.

Forbes

Imagine now if, on top of all of that, Darwin had regularly ducked into a movie theater and gotten a gander at the collection of hitherto-unknown life forms featured in movies.

Huffington Post

Tank tops are cute and comfy but not everyone should be getting a gander at your over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder, even if you're "rockin' the chevron" in the brassiere department. 5. Pants With Ruffles These are cute on the three and under crowd.

Huffington Post

Gertrude Kovak, who says she is "89 and a half," sat in her wheelchair at the Methodist seniors home here, up in the front row where she could get a good gander at Dick Cheney.

The New York Times

For those who have had the good fortune to get a live gander at the lizard-like supercar, the experience is unforgettable.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get a gander" when you want to suggest a casual or quick look at something, often with a sense of curiosity or informality. It's best suited for conversational contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "get a gander" in formal writing, academic papers, or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "observe" or "inspect" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a gander" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate the action of looking or viewing something. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and conveys the meaning of taking a look.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get a gander" is an idiomatic expression meaning to take a look or glance at something. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and appropriate for informal contexts. While uncommon, it appears mostly in news and media sources. Consider more formal alternatives like "observe" or "inspect" for professional writing. Remember, as seen in the usage examples, "get a gander" is your go-to when you want to casually suggest having a look.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a look

A more common and neutral alternative to "get a gander".

have a peek

Suggests a quick and often surreptitious look.

cast an eye

A slightly more formal and literary alternative.

take a glance

Emphasizes the brevity of the look.

get a load of

More informal and often used to express surprise or amusement.

check something out

A casual way to suggest investigating something.

observe

A more formal and detached way to look at something.

inspect

Implies a detailed and careful examination.

survey

Suggests looking at something comprehensively or from a high vantage point.

peruse

Implies reading or examining something in a leisurely way.

FAQs

What does the idiom "get a gander" mean?

The idiom "get a gander" means to take a look or glance at something, often in a casual or curious way. It implies a quick visual inspection.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "get a gander"?

It's appropriate to use "get a gander" in informal settings like casual conversations or less formal writing. Avoid using it in professional or academic contexts where a more formal tone is preferred.

What are some alternative phrases for "get a gander"?

You can use alternatives like "take a look", "have a peek", or "check something out" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

How can I use "get a gander" in a sentence?

You can use "get a gander" in a sentence like: "If you're curious about the new exhibit, you should get a gander at it before it closes", or "I wanted to get a gander at the celebrity everyone was talking about".