glance through a window

USAGE SUMMARY

'glance through a window' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action in which someone looks quickly at something outside of a window. For example: She glanced through the window, admiring the cool autumn sunset.

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

As I passed by one building, I glanced through a window and saw countless rolls gliding off to somewhere.

Vice

Maybe you glance through a ground-floor window and your gaze lingers a little longer than it should because the twinkle of a chandelier catches your eye.

The New York Times

Not long after the suspects entered the bodega, a customer glanced through a store window and saw a gunman pointing a pistol at two men on the floor, the police said, and called 911.

The New York Times

Events that might otherwise seem like clichés -- a winning lottery ticket, a car accident, a glance through the windows of a subway car, a classroom discussion of entropy -- become haunting, teasing surprises.

The New York Times

A glance through the front window at Planet Florist in West Los Angeles reveals a flower shop packed with furniture, fixtures and flower vases.

Los Angeles Times

After a glance through the windows she wraps her arms around me in a very deliberate hug goodbye.

The Guardian - Music

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

The New York Times

"And that shed over there," Kelly said, glancing at a small stone building, "I'm told lobstermen used it for centuries, but this," he added, peering through a window in an upstairs bedroom, "is the best view of the golf.

The New York Times - Sports

The spectacular settings give rise to romance and its frustration when, in the neon twilight, Hulot's weary glance through the windows of parallel buses meets that of Barbara Barbara Dennekk), a fresh-scrubbed young American.

The New Yorker

They hoisted it up through a window".

The New York Times

It's like looking through a window.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glance through a window" to describe a quick, casual look, rather than a prolonged observation. This emphasizes the brevity of the action and is more precise than simply saying "look through a window".

Common error

Avoid using "glance through a window" when you mean a prolonged or intense look. "Peer through a window" is more appropriate when someone is trying to see something difficult or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glance through a window" functions as a descriptive phrase, detailing a specific action of looking. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and describes a brief observation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glance through a window" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a quick, casual look through a window. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid. While examples are currently limited, the phrase is typically neutral in register and suitable for various contexts. Consider alternative phrases like "peek through a window" or "peer through a window" for more specific connotations. Remember to use "glance" to denote brevity, and avoid confusing it with terms suggesting prolonged observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peek through a window

Emphasizes a quick and often secretive look.

look briefly through a window

Replaces "glance" with a more descriptive phrase.

peer through a window

Suggests a more focused and intense look.

take a quick look through a window

Adds "take a quick look" for emphasis.

cast a glance through a window

Uses "cast" to describe the action of looking.

view through a window

Focuses on the act of seeing something through the window.

gaze through a window

Implies a longer, more contemplative look.

observe through a window

Offers a more neutral and observational tone.

steal a glance through a window

Suggests a hidden or forbidden look.

survey through a window

Suggests a more comprehensive and deliberate look.

FAQs

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

You can use "glance through a window" to describe a brief, casual look. For example: "She "glanced through a window" and noticed it was raining."

What's a more descriptive alternative to "glance through a window"?

Consider using "peek through a window" if the look is quick and secretive, or "peer through a window" if the look is more focused and intense.

Is it correct to say "glimpse through a window"?

While similar, "glimpse through a window" implies seeing something briefly and incompletely, whereas "glance" suggests a quick look that may or may not provide a complete view.

What is the difference between "glance through a window" and "look through a window"?

"Glance through a window" implies a brief, quick look. "Look through a window" is more general and doesn't specify the duration or intensity of the look.