get a quick look at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get a quick look at" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to indicate a brief examination or glance at something. Example: "I just need to get a quick look at the report before the meeting." Alternative expressions include "take a quick glance at" and "have a brief look at."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Need to get a quick look at the calendar or see when a specific date fell in any given month?

The New York Times

In the clip you get a quick look at Hamill's Luke in hand cuffs being pulled around by a Stormtrooper, while we see Fischer's Lei looking moody.

Independent

In just the trailer we get a quick look at a few of the guest stars who will feature in the show, including both Seth Green and Whedon.

Independent

MortgageMarvel is similar to Bankrate.com, in that consumers can get a quick look at interest rates for the loan they are considering, and then click directly to a lender's site to complete a loan application.

The New York Times

I did get a quick look at the app yesterday, though, and it's slick.

TechCrunch

This allows you to zoom out of any page and get a quick look at the tabs you currently have open.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A Mr. Hathaway went into the kitchen and got a quick look at a shelf containing all the secret ingredients.

The New Yorker

Getting a quick look at the blotter, he noticed that under "Occupation" the cop had written down "clerk".

The New Yorker

"I got a quick look at him as the accident was taking place, and I got a quick look as he was driving away," the mayor said.

The New York Times

He stopped in, had a chat with the firemen, and got a quick look at the ground floor, which housed the firetrucks.

The New York Times

Sony's A200 just dropped last night and we got a quick look at it in the booth today.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get a quick look at" when you want to convey a sense of brevity and speed in examining something. It's suitable for situations where a thorough inspection isn't necessary or possible.

Common error

Avoid using "get a quick look at" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise language such as "briefly examine" or "conduct a preliminary assessment" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a quick look at" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of briefly examining or observing something. Ludwig confirms that this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get a quick look at" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing a brief examination or observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in neutral and informal settings, more precise language may be preferred for formal writing. Alternatives such as "glance at" or "scan briefly" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to consider your audience and the level of formality required when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glance at

A more concise alternative, implying a very brief look.

scan briefly

Emphasizes the speed and superficiality of the examination.

skim through

Suggests quickly reading over something.

take a peek at

Suggests a furtive or curious look.

review swiftly

Indicates a faster, more efficient review.

check out briefly

More informal, suitable for casual conversation.

observe fleetingly

Highlights the transient nature of the observation.

survey rapidly

Implies a more systematic, though quick, overview.

peruse rapidly

Implies reading or examining something quickly, but potentially with more attention than skimming.

examine cursorily

More formal and technical, indicating a light examination.

FAQs

How can I use "get a quick look at" in a sentence?

You can use "get a quick look at" to describe a brief examination. For example, "I need to "get a quick look at" the report before the meeting".

What can I say instead of "get a quick look at"?

Alternatives include "glance at", "scan briefly", or "take a peek at", depending on the context.

Is "get a quick look at" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "get a quick look at" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "briefly examine" or "conduct a preliminary assessment".

What's the difference between "get a quick look at" and "study carefully"?

"Get a quick look at" implies a brief, superficial examination, whereas "study carefully" suggests a thorough, in-depth analysis. The choice depends on the level of detail required.