gives a glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

"gives a glimpse" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that provides a brief or incomplete view of something. For example, "The trailer for the new movie gives a glimpse of what is to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It gives a glimpse into the future," Hoffman says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And it gives a glimpse of how the institution might evolve.

The New York Times - Arts

A Wired magazine article from 2002 gives a glimpse of the N.R.A.'s thinking.

The New York Times

Mr. Rashbass gives a glimpse of his own reversals about incorporating digital products.

The New York Times

But a walk through the Heard's atrium gives a glimpse of her productivity.

The New York Times - Arts

An agreement that surfaced this week gives a glimpse of how such a business might emerge.

The Economist

The building, a seven-story walk-up, gives a glimpse of SoHo before gentrification.

The New York Times

The complex gives a glimpse of a new Tokyo: high-rise, high-tech and high style.

The New York Times - Travel

Exploring the city's old town gives a glimpse of its lavish imperial past.

The Guardian - Travel

(This video, taken at their first public gig, gives a glimpse of Halvorson freed completely from melodic responsibilities).

The New Yorker

But limited disclosure of salaries and bonuses only gives a glimpse of the riches on offer at the top.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gives a glimpse" when you want to suggest that only a partial or incomplete view is being provided, implying that more information might be available or that the full picture is not yet clear.

Common error

While "gives a glimpse" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less sophisticated. Consider alternatives like "provides an overview" or "presents an initial analysis" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives a glimpse" functions as a verb phrase, typically followed by a prepositional phrase or clause that specifies what is being shown or revealed partially. It indicates that something provides a brief or incomplete view. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gives a glimpse" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that indicates a brief or partial view of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain settings. It's commonly found in news media, scientific articles, and formal business communications. Understanding its function and purpose can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing, making it an effective tool for introducing or previewing information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provides a sneak peek

Replaces "gives a glimpse" with a more informal expression, emphasizing a quick and often unauthorized look.

offers a brief look

Substitutes "gives a glimpse" with a more straightforward term, focusing on the shortness of the view.

presents a snapshot

Uses "snapshot" to suggest a quick, representative view, changing the metaphor.

affords a quick view

Employs a more formal tone, emphasizing the opportunity to see something briefly.

supplies an initial view

Highlights the introductory nature of the view, implying more information may follow.

reveals a hint

Suggests that only a small part is being shown, focusing on subtlety.

shows a fragment

Emphasizes the incompleteness of the view, suggesting a small piece of a larger whole.

intimates a possibility

Shifts focus to suggestion and implication, rather than direct viewing.

suggests an outline

Implies that only the basic structure or form is being shown, not the details.

indicates a preview

Uses "preview" to directly reference an advance showing, changing the noun.

FAQs

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

You can use "gives a glimpse" to indicate that something offers a brief or partial view. For example, "The trailer "gives a glimpse" of the movie's plot".

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

You can use alternatives like "provides a sneak peek", "offers a brief look", or "presents a snapshot" depending on the context.

Is "gives a glimpse" formal or informal?

"Gives a glimpse" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "gives a glimpse" and "provides an overview"?

"Gives a glimpse" suggests a brief and incomplete view, while "provides an overview" implies a more comprehensive, though still concise, summary.