glancing at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glancing at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quick or brief look at something. Example: "While waiting for the bus, I was glancing at my phone to check the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He paused, glancing at Ilona.

The New Yorker

Dad, meanwhile, is glancing at his watch.

The New Yorker

"Hey," she said, glancing at Mitz.

The New Yorker

Jason said, glancing at the rearview mirror.

The New Yorker

"Well," Burka said, glancing at Evan Smith.

The New Yorker

Glancing at Dilek, he smiled.

The New Yorker

Taylor walked outside, glancing at Kushamond's bazaar.

The New Yorker

Still, she kept glancing at the door.

The New York Times

I remember one glancing at the others.

The New York Times - Magazine

Soon they were glancing at each other.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He's glancing at notes.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glancing at" to describe a brief, often indirect, look. It's suitable for situations where the look is quick and not the primary focus of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "glancing at" when the context implies a sustained or intent observation. Use verbs like "watching", "observing", or "studying" for longer periods of looking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glancing at" functions as a verb phrase indicating a brief and quick look in a specific direction or towards a particular object or person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound expression. Examples show its use in various contexts, from glancing at a watch to glancing at other people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "glancing at" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a brief, often casual, look. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage. It's versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news media and general writing. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a quick observation rather than prolonged attention. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, and consider alternatives like "peeking at" or "stealing a glance at" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking briefly at

Directly describes a short look without added nuance.

taking a quick look at

Uses more common vocabulary to convey a similar meaning.

casting a glance at

Implies a brief and often casual look.

stealing a glance at

Emphasizes the quick and possibly surreptitious nature of the look.

observing briefly

Emphasizes the act of observing during a short time frame.

peeking at

Suggests a furtive or sneaky look.

having a glimpse of

Focuses on the momentary nature of the view.

catching sight of

Highlights the act of briefly seeing someone or something.

giving a once-over

Suggests a quick and comprehensive scan.

eyeing

A more concise, informal way to indicate looking at something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "glancing at" in a sentence?

You can use "glancing at" to describe a quick, often casual, look. For example: "He was "glancing at" his watch, impatient for the meeting to end."

What are some alternatives to "glancing at"?

Alternatives include "peeking at", "stealing a glance at", or "taking a quick look at" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "glancing at" in formal writing?

Yes, "glancing at" is appropriate in formal writing as it is a standard and grammatically correct phrase. However, consider the context and whether a more precise verb like "observing" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "glancing at" and "staring at"?

"Glancing at" implies a brief, often indirect, look, while "staring at" suggests a prolonged, direct gaze. They differ significantly in the intensity and duration of the look.