glance aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glance aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of briefly looking away or diverting one's gaze to something else. Example: "As she spoke, he couldn't help but glance aside at the beautiful painting on the wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

(While conducting a petty, politically motivated trial and listening to a canting, ideological prosecutor, she looks bored and casts her glance aside).

The New Yorker

This is hectic on the eye and bad for the confidence; we start to wonder, ungallantly, about the camera's chronic wish to glance aside — could it be that the performers might not weather its unstinting gaze?

The New Yorker

The design language was overdue for an update, and now the system looks nearly identical to the 13-inch Pro at first glance, aside from the familiar tapered design.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Most absorbing of all is the moment on a dark beach, in the midst of Isabelle's deflowering, when she glances aside and sees herself approaching like a ghost, standing in sadness, and then disappearing.

The New Yorker

There's a fabulous, half-second shot of Adèle glancing aside, at a party, where people are droning on about the distinction between Schiele and Klimt; and, on the same evening, you can tell what she thinks of the Byronic braggart who offers his reflections on orgasm, and on why women "attain different levels of reality".

The New Yorker

Herzog has long treasured those who are semi-detached from life, for whom ecstasy is no sweat, and Mark Anthony is a fine recruit to the ranks, yet, even so, "The White Diamond" is most radiant when it glances aside from humanity, from folly and sweetness alike, to stare at the Kaieteur Falls.

The New Yorker

As close as he comes is a glancing comic aside — "frankness has never been my style".

The New York Times - Books

Viewers can call in to a real phone carried by one of the cast members, and there are plenty of glances and asides to the audience, such as former Whitney co-star Chris D'Elia riffing about how he regretted never sleeping with Whitney Cummings in real life or Ron Funches getting everyone involved in his bid for a catchphrase.

Huffington Post

When he speaks, he tends to glance down or aside, lacking the confidence to hold somebody's gaze.

The New Yorker

Like Casey Affleck, Redmayne keeps glancing down or aside, although in his case you sense a blatant ploy, designed to pull us into Newt's endearing shyness.

The New Yorker

Back-stories aside – glancing blows and all that – it was a highly unusual and irreproachably modern set of circumstances that had combined to create one of the great pantomime moments of recent Ashes cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glance aside" when you want to emphasize a brief, often unintentional, diversion of one's gaze, suggesting a sense of distraction or disinterest.

Common error

Avoid using "glance aside" when a simple "glance" or "look" suffices. "Glance aside" specifically indicates a brief, averted gaze, not just a general look.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "glance aside" is a phrasal verb, combining the verb "glance" with the adverbial particle "aside". This structure indicates a specific manner of looking, signifying a brief diversion of gaze, as illustrated by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glance aside" is a phrasal verb denoting a brief diversion of one's gaze, often suggesting distraction or disinterest. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in various contexts, primarily in news and media. While not exceedingly common, mastering its usage allows for nuanced and precise expression. Be mindful of contexts where a simple "glance" or other alternative might be more appropriate. Ludwig further suggests that understanding the subtle difference between "glance aside" and similar phrases can significantly enhance the descriptive quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look away

A more general term for averting one's gaze.

turn away

Similar to "look away", but can also imply physical turning.

avert one's eyes

A more formal way of saying "look away".

look askance

Implies suspicion or disapproval while glancing.

cast a sidelong glance

Emphasizes the indirectness of the look.

give a fleeting glance

Focuses on the briefness of the look.

take a quick peek

Suggests a secretive or curious look.

steal a glance

Implies a clandestine or surreptitious look.

glance momentarily

Highlights the temporary nature of the diverted gaze.

shift one's gaze

Describes the action of moving the eyes to a different point of focus.

FAQs

How can I use "glance aside" in a sentence?

You can use "glance aside" to describe someone briefly diverting their gaze, often indicating disinterest or distraction. For example, "During the lecture, he couldn't help but "glance aside" at the clock."

What are some alternatives to "glance aside"?

Some alternatives to "glance aside" include "look away", "turn aside", or "avert one's eyes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "glance aside" and "glance at"?

Yes, "glance at" means to briefly look at something, while ""glance aside"" means to briefly look away from something. The former directs attention, the latter diverts it.

When is it appropriate to use "glance aside" in writing?

Use "glance aside" when you want to convey a sense of disinterest, distraction, or a fleeting observation of something outside the main focus. It's often used to add subtle characterization or detail in descriptive writing.