glance briefly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glance briefly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of looking at something quickly or for a short amount of time. Example: "Before making a decision, I took a moment to glance briefly at the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He dropped his glance briefly from the road, noticing her feet.

The New Yorker

Mostly, they just read the blurbs about the artists, glance briefly around them at the works and move on.

The Guardian - Arts

And, though I've never met most of them in real life, I'm #blessed to have this modest group of mostly strangers I can trust to glance briefly at, and perhaps fave, an adorable uncredited pic of a dog wearing a hat that I found on Tumb — What's this?

The New Yorker

BRUSSELS — As some of the leading lights of the globe's business, economic and policy circles gather in Davos this week for the annual World Economic Forum, they might want to glance briefly northward toward Brussels — for guidance on how not to hold a meeting.

The New York Times

But the odds are that many of the older, unreconstructed members will simply open the envelope, glance briefly at the book and toss it on to the pile along with the many other memos and documents they receive from the HQ in Lausanne, never to be opened again.

The Guardian - Sport

If there are several people at the interview, glance briefly at them, but always return to the questioner before ending your response.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This he opened, glancing briefly outside before closing it again.

The Guardian

Diane nodded, glancing briefly down at the table.

The Washington Post

"Perhaps," his father concedes, glancing briefly in Gogol's direction.

The New Yorker

Now he didn't say anything, barely reacted, just glanced briefly at the scoreboard.

The Guardian - Sport

He glanced briefly at his own reflection in his mirrored ashtray.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glance briefly" when you want to emphasize the brevity and speed of looking at something. It suggests a less thorough examination than a simple "look".

Common error

Avoid using "glance briefly" repeatedly in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "scan", "review", or "examine" to convey a higher level of scrutiny.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glance briefly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the manner in which an action (looking) is performed. It describes how someone looks at something – quickly and for a short duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s considered correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "glance briefly" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe a quick and fleeting look. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not overly formal, it finds common usage in news, media, and general writing. When using "glance briefly", bear in mind that it denotes a lack of focused attention, so ensure the context aligns with that meaning. Consider alternatives like "take a quick look" or "cast a fleeting glance" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a quick look

Emphasizes the speed and intention of the look.

have a brief look

Similar to 'take a quick look', but with a slightly less urgent tone.

cast a fleeting glance

Highlights the momentary and transient nature of the look.

give a cursory look

Suggests a superficial and rapid examination.

shoot a glance

Implies a fast and directed look.

peek quickly

Suggests a furtive or secretive look.

scan rapidly

Implies a quick examination of the surroundings.

observe momentarily

Highlights the short duration of the observation.

notice fleetingly

Emphasizes the ephemeral nature of the observation.

take a short glimpse

Suggests a partial view within a brief timeframe.

FAQs

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

You can use "glance briefly" to describe a quick look at something, for example, "He "glanced briefly" at his watch to check the time."

What are some alternatives to "glance briefly"?

Some alternatives include "take a quick look", "cast a fleeting glance", or "give a cursory look" depending on the context.

What does it mean to "glance briefly" at something?

To "glance briefly" means to look at something quickly and for a short amount of time, often without paying close attention to the details.

Is there a difference between "glance" and "glance briefly"?

"Glance briefly" emphasizes the speed and shortness of the look more than simply "glance". It highlights the fleeting nature of the action.