glance down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glance down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when describing an action or movement where someone looks down briefly. For example, "The pickpocket glanced down to check that no one was watching him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You glance down at the empty coffee mug again.

Independent

I glance down at my list of questions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I glance down to watch fish dart among the weeds.

The Guardian - Travel

One need only glance down, at the recent spate of colorized bucks and saddle shoes.

The New York Times

You can glance up at faces, you can glance down at genitals.

The Guardian - Tech

If we glance down at the abyss below, we are lost.

The Guardian - Film

Though the lyrics were printed in the program, barely anyone had to glance down for guidance.

The Guardian - Music

His eyes glance down in anxiety as the ball sails towards the green.

The Guardian - Sport

If she forgot her name, all she had to do was glance down at her wrist.

The New Yorker

But glance down at his index finger, which sports a scorpion tattoo, for first-hand evidence of his unconventional streak.

The New York Times

If you glance down as you get into the car, you will see the Hot Wheels sill plate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glance down" to describe a quick, often unintentional, downward look. It's ideal for conveying a sense of immediacy or surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "glance down" when you mean a prolonged or intense look. Use "stare down" or "gaze downward" for extended observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "glance down" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, describing the act of quickly looking downward. Ludwig confirms its usage in various contexts, indicating its versatility and widespread acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glance down" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that describes a quick, downward look. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse sources, with a prevalence in News & Media. When writing, remember that "glance down" is ideal for conveying immediacy and surprise, but should be distinguished from prolonged observation. For alternatives, consider "peek down" or "look downward briefly" to adjust the nuance to fit the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peek down

Similar in meaning, but implies a quicker and sometimes secretive look.

look downward briefly

A more descriptive and literal alternative, suitable for formal contexts.

gaze downward

Implies a longer and more thoughtful look down.

look below

A simple directional alternative, useful when indicating what is being looked at.

cast eyes down

A more poetic and figurative way to describe the action of looking down.

check below

Focuses on the act of verifying something by looking down.

observe below

Highlights the act of carefully watching something below.

view downward

A formal way to express looking in a downward direction.

survey below

Suggests a comprehensive look at what is below.

ogle below

Implies staring at something below, especially with desire or interest. Different from a quick glance.

FAQs

How to use "glance down" in a sentence?

You can use "glance down" to describe a brief downward look, such as "I "glanced down" at my watch to check the time".

What can I say instead of "glance down"?

You can use alternatives like "peek down", "look downward briefly", or "gaze downward" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "glance down" or "glanced down"?

"Glance down" is the base form, while "glanced down" is the past tense. Use "glanced down" when describing a past action, such as "She "glanced down" at the note".

What's the difference between "glance down" and "stare down"?

"Glance down" implies a quick look, while "stare down" suggests a prolonged, intense look, often to intimidate.