give a glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

"give a glimpse" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has been given a quick look at something. For example: "He was only able to give us a glimpse of what the future holds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Official visits give a glimpse of the diplomatic jockeying.

The New York Times

Apart from that, he said, the logs give a glimpse of Mr. Snowden's personality.

The New York Times

Jones's teammates enjoyed seeing him give a glimpse of his younger self.

The New York Times

"Dear Life" also includes four semi-­autobiographical stories that give a glimpse into Munro's own childhood.

The New York Times - Books

Along the way, it can give a glimpse into how public opinion shifts.

The New Yorker

She said instead that she wanted to give a glimpse of the soul.

The Guardian - Arts

But the announcement may give a glimpse of the future at Wal-Mart pharmacies.

The New York Times

Only when the invasion met unexpected resistance did General McCaffrey give a glimpse of his misgivings.

The New York Times

The newly released archives give a glimpse of what happened next in cabinet.

The Guardian

This translation manages to give a glimpse of the grandeur of the original.

The Guardian - Books

The images below give a glimpse of what keeps our ecosystems and our lives in balance.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "give a glimpse" to introduce a brief preview or summary of a more complex topic or situation. It's effective for enticing the reader or listener to learn more.

Common error

Avoid using "give a glimpse" excessively in formal academic papers or reports. Opt for more precise and descriptive verbs like "illustrate", "demonstrate", or "outline" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a glimpse" functions as a verb phrase. It primarily serves to indicate that something provides a brief or partial view of something else, as Ludwig AI reports with plenty of examples. It is often used to introduce a preview or summary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give a glimpse" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that serves to introduce a brief or partial view of something. According to Ludwig AI and confirmed by numerous examples, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more precise verbs in highly formal academic writing. As such, "give a glimpse" is well-suited for providing a quick preview or summary to engage the audience and encourage further exploration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer a peek

Replaces "glimpse" with "peek", suggesting a quick and informal look.

provide a snapshot

Uses "snapshot" to indicate a brief, representative view.

present a sketch

Implies a rough or incomplete depiction.

offer a hint

Focuses on suggesting something indirectly rather than showing it directly.

afford a view

Uses a more formal tone and suggests allowing someone to see something.

supply an inkling

Suggests a vague idea or feeling about something.

extend a prospect

Offers a potential future view or possibility.

lend a notion

Presents a general idea or concept.

grant a vision

Conveys a more profound or imaginative view.

show a sign

Indicates a trace or indication, often subtle.

FAQs

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

You can use "give a glimpse" to introduce a brief preview or summary of something. For example: "This article will "give a glimpse" into the future of AI."

What are some alternatives to "give a glimpse"?

You can use alternatives like "offer a peek", "provide a snapshot", or "present a sketch", depending on the context.

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

While "give a glimpse" is generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider using more precise verbs like "illustrate", "demonstrate", or "outline" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "give a glimpse" and "provide a detailed analysis"?

"Give a glimpse" suggests a brief, introductory look, while "provide a detailed analysis" implies a thorough and comprehensive examination of the subject. They serve different purposes in writing.