glance at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glance at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone quickly looking at something or when you want to suggest that someone has taken a brief, superficial look at something. Example: She gave the document a quick glance before signing it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I glance at the clock.

The New York Times

They glance at each other.

The New Yorker

I glance at Jessie.

The Guardian

Lawrence threw a glance at Lucinda.

The New Yorker

I might glance at a résumé.

The New York Times

I glance at her.

The Guardian - Travel

You glance at the offending passages.

The New Yorker

Just glance at a few recent headlines.

The New York Times

A few kids glance at her.

The New York Times

One glance at the ballot explained why.

The New York Times

Take a glance at matrixMultiply.c.c

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glance at" when you want to convey a brief, often casual look, rather than a prolonged or intense observation.

Common error

Avoid using "glance at" when the context requires a thorough examination. For situations needing more attention, consider phrases like "examine carefully" or "analyze in detail."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glance at" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a quick or brief look. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, showing that it is a standard way to describe directing one's eyes towards something momentarily.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "glance at" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a quick, brief look. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's versatile, remember to use it when a superficial look is intended, and opt for more precise language when describing thorough examinations. Alternatives like "take a peek at" or "cast a glance at" can add nuance, but "glance at" remains a reliable choice for conveying a momentary visual assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cast a glance at

Suggests a more deliberate but still brief look.

Take a peek at

Implies a quick and often secretive look.

Take a look at

A general term for directing one's sight towards something.

Run your eyes over

Implies quickly reading or inspecting something.

Have a glimpse of

Indicates a very brief or fleeting view.

Scan quickly

Implies a rapid and systematic look.

Give a once-over to

Suggests a quick and comprehensive examination.

Observe momentarily

Indicates a brief period of watching something.

Survey briefly

Suggests a quick overview of something.

Check out

An informal way of saying to look at or examine something.

FAQs

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

You can use "glance at" to describe a quick look, such as, "I "glance at" the clock to check the time".

What's a more formal alternative to "glance at"?

For a more formal context, consider using "observe briefly" or "survey quickly" depending on the situation.

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

Yes, ""glance at"" implies a quick look, while "stare at" suggests a prolonged and fixed gaze.

When is it appropriate to use "glance at" versus "examine"?

"Glance at" is suitable for brief looks, whereas "examine" is used when a more thorough and detailed inspection is required.