get a glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get a glimpse" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're trying to convey the idea that someone caught a brief look at something. For example: "She got a glimpse of the criminal as he ran away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Again, we get a glimpse of it.

The New Yorker

I barely get a glimpse of Scorpio.

The New York Times

Hoping we get a glimpse of some other cast members.

Independent

You get a glimpse of Everest, and then it disappears.

The New Yorker

He was hoping to get a glimpse of it.

The New Yorker

And we get a glimpse of the embryonic dragon.

The Guardian

"Sometimes, I get a glimpse and I feel sick".

The Guardian - Film

Just be nice to get a glimpse of them, really".

The Guardian - Sport

And you'll get a glimpse back to the future.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet we do get a glimpse of what they loved.

The Guardian - Arts

And it's private: we only get a glimpse.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get a glimpse" when you want to convey the idea of a brief, often incomplete, viewing experience. It implies that the view was not comprehensive or prolonged.

Common error

Avoid using "get a glimpse" when describing a detailed or prolonged observation. This phrase suggests a brief and often incomplete view, so it's not suitable when the subject is thoroughly examined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a glimpse" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it conveys the action of briefly seeing something, often implying that the view is incomplete or fleeting. The phrase usually involves a subject (the one who sees) and an object (what is seen).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Arts

17%

Travel

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get a glimpse" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express the act of seeing something briefly or partially. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use in English writing. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Arts", and "Travel" contexts, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various registers. When using this phrase, remember that it conveys a fleeting observation, not a thorough examination. For alternative expressions, consider "catch a fleeting glimpse" or "obtain a brief view", keeping in mind the subtle differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch a fleeting glimpse

Emphasizes the brief and transient nature of the view.

obtain a brief view

More formal and emphasizes the act of acquiring the view.

glance briefly

Focuses on the act of looking quickly rather than what is seen.

have a quick look

Informal and direct way of saying "get a glimpse".

take a peek

Suggests a furtive or secretive look.

get a peek

Synonymous with "take a peek" but slightly less formal.

see momentarily

Highlights the short duration of the visual experience.

perceive briefly

More formal and emphasizes the act of perceiving rather than seeing.

spot momentarily

Indicates a sudden and quick observation.

witness briefly

Implies observing an event or scene for a short time.

FAQs

What does it mean to "get a glimpse" of something?

To "get a glimpse" of something means to see it briefly or partially. It implies that the view is not complete or detailed.

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

You can use "get a glimpse" when you want to express seeing something for a very short amount of time. For example: "I managed to get a glimpse of the celebrity as she entered the building."

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

You can use alternatives like "catch a fleeting glimpse", "obtain a brief view", or "have a quick look" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "get a glimpse" and "get a peek"?

While both imply a quick look, "get a glimpse" is more neutral, while "get a peek" suggests a furtive or secretive look.