glanced briefly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glanced briefly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or fleeting look at something or someone. Example: "She glanced briefly at the clock before rushing out the door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

People took them and glanced briefly — "I've never heard of him!" "No, he's a decent man".

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian - Books

He had only glanced briefly over the new proposal, but he said he was still troubled.

The New York Times

He glanced briefly at the court gallery before conferring with his lawyer, Edward R. Harris, and a Pashtun interpreter.

The New York Times

They glanced briefly at my dance before returning their focus to hot dogs and crinkle-cut fries.

The New York Times - Sports

The seated Walter Mazzarri glanced briefly in his compatriot's direction, reluctant as he was to offer up a reaction.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Van der Graaf looked relieved, glancing briefly at his lawyers before being led away.

The Guardian

He walked slowly toward the dugout, glancing briefly toward the sky, slapping the air halfheartedly, boiling in a kind of quiet rage undoubtedly.

The New York Times - Sports

At one point, they were the last two in the crowded courtroom to take their seats and found themselves glancing briefly at each other.

The New York Times

It did not seem to matter, says Greg Wood, also of the University of Exeter, who led the study, that kickers were glancing briefly toward where they planned to shoot, potentially telegraphing their intentions to the goalie.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glanced briefly" to describe a quick, almost subconscious look, often used when someone doesn't want to draw attention to their observation or is multitasking.

Common error

While "glanced briefly" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse can make writing seem repetitive or less descriptive. Vary your language with synonyms like "peeked", "spotted", or "noticed" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glanced briefly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes the manner in which the action of glancing is performed, indicating that the action was quick and not prolonged. Ludwig confirms the acceptability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glanced briefly" is a commonly used phrase that accurately conveys a quick or fleeting look. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, being mindful of overusing it can improve writing quality. For variety, consider alternatives like "looked quickly" or "gave a swift glance". As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it versatile for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looked quickly

Focuses on the speed of the look, replacing 'glanced' with a more direct verb.

peered momentarily

Emphasizes the short duration of the look and adds a sense of scrutiny.

gazed fleetingly

Highlights the transient nature of the gaze.

shot a quick look

Uses 'shot' to suggest a rapid and possibly furtive glance.

cast a fleeting glance

Uses 'cast' to describe the action of directing a quick look.

gave a swift glance

Replaces 'briefly' with 'swift' to emphasize speed.

took a cursory look

Indicates a superficial or perfunctory look.

checked rapidly

Suggests a brief look for the purpose of verification or monitoring.

noted quickly

Focuses on the mental act of observation during a brief look.

caught a glimpse

Implies seeing something incompletely or for a very short time.

FAQs

What does "glanced briefly" mean?

"Glanced briefly" means to have taken a quick or fleeting look at something or someone. It suggests the look was not prolonged or intense.

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

You can use "glanced briefly" to describe someone quickly looking at something, for example: "He "glanced briefly" at the clock before leaving the room."

What can I say instead of "glanced briefly"?

You can use alternatives like "looked quickly", "peered momentarily", or "gave a swift glance" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "glanced briefly" since a glance is already quick?

While a glance implies a quick look, adding "briefly" can emphasize the fleeting nature of the action, adding a layer of detail. It's not strictly redundant but depends on the desired nuance. Consider alternatives such as "looked quickly" or simply "glanced".