glance through

USAGE SUMMARY

"glance through" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to look quickly at something or to read something quickly and superficially. For example: I glanced through the newspaper this morning, but I didn't have enough time to read the entire article.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But when I glance through the windows, I can't see anything at all.

Independent

It isn't going backward, but the occasional glance through the rear-view mirror seems inescapable.

The New York Times

A glance through history reveals there is nothing new about binge drinking in Britain.

The Guardian

A glance through my binoculars confirmed that it was indeed a whinchat.

The Guardian

Others, like guard Rich Seubert, will chat anxiously and glance through the playbook one last time.

The New York Times - Sports

I had a glance through and the chap was much older than me.

The Guardian

A glance through the 135-strong membership list reveals no particular party bias.

The Guardian

Just glance through the window at 314 East 23rd Street in Kips Bay at night.

The New York Times

But a quick glance through the family history reveals a more subtle and intriguing reality.

The Guardian

I glance through the classroom door's window and see Annabel gazing at me, looking concerned.

The New Yorker

But a backward glance through human history does confront some common myths about the society we inhabit today.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glance through" when you want to convey that the action of looking or reading is brief and not thorough. For example, "I only had time to glance through the report before the meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "glance through" when you intend to describe a comprehensive or detailed review. Instead, opt for phrases like "study carefully" or "analyze in detail".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glance through" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a quick and superficial examination or reading. It modifies a verb by specifying the manner of looking or reading, emphasizing its brevity and lack of depth. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glance through" is a common phrasal verb used to describe a quick and superficial look or read. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's appropriate for general use, consider more precise alternatives for formal writing to maintain a professional tone. Remember to avoid using "glance through" when you intend to describe a comprehensive or detailed review. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively communicate the level of attention given to the subject in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skim through

Implies reading quickly, focusing on the main points.

scan through

Suggests a more systematic and rapid reading process.

browse through

Conveys a casual and less focused way of looking.

flick through

Indicates a very quick and often random way of looking.

look over

Focuses more on a general review rather than a brief look.

leaf through

Specifically refers to flipping pages, often in a book or magazine.

cast an eye over

A more idiomatic way of saying to look at something quickly.

run through

Suggests a quick rehearsal or review.

dip into

Implies a brief and selective engagement with the material.

check over

Suggests examining something for errors or completeness.

FAQs

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

You can use "glance through" to indicate a quick look or read, as in: "I only had time to "glance through" the email before the meeting."

What's a good alternative to "glance through"?

Alternatives include "skim through", "scan through", or "look over", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "glance through" in formal writing?

While "glance through" is widely understood, in formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "review briefly" or "scan rapidly" to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "glance through" and "read carefully"?

"Glance through" implies a brief, superficial look, while "read carefully" suggests a thorough and attentive reading. The choice depends on the level of detail and attention you want to convey.