glimpse at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glimpse at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or fleeting look at something, often implying a limited or partial view. Example: "As I walked by the gallery, I caught a glimpse at the stunning artwork displayed in the window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a glimpse at what is possible".

The New York Times

It was a glimpse at his future.

The New York Times - Arts

A glimpse at the soda wars.

The New York Times

P23 First glimpse at Red Dwarf cast.

The Guardian

A quick glimpse at the statistics tells us why.

Independent

Here is a glimpse at some of the work.

The New York Times

We also got our first glimpse at Luther's wardrobe tonight.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Crossing pea plants in his garden, he got a glimpse at how heredity actually does work.

The New York Times - Books

It was more than a glimpse at my dream for women's soccer.

The New York Times

The blog AZ Snakepit offers a glimpse at the tenuous state of Diamondbacks fandom.

The New York Times

But they provide a real-time glimpse at decisions made during a moment of terror.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glimpse at" when you want to convey a fleeting or incomplete view of something. It's suitable for describing a brief encounter or a partial understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "glimpse at" when you actually mean a thorough or extended observation. Use "examine", "analyze", or "study" instead to indicate a deeper engagement with the subject.

Linguistic Context

"Glimpse at" functions as a phrasal verb. It describes the act of taking a quick or brief look at something. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and availability, reinforcing its established place in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glimpse at" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe a brief or fleeting look. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely accepted in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral tone, more formal situations might benefit from alternative phrasing such as "observe" or "examine" to reflect the appropriate register. When writing, ensure that you are accurately portraying the action as a quick peek rather than an extended observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glance at

Similar meaning, implying a quick look, but slightly more casual.

peek at

Suggests a furtive or secret look.

look at

More general and can refer to a longer duration of observation.

scan through

Implies a quick reading or review.

browse through

Suggests a leisurely and less focused examination.

survey

Indicates a more comprehensive but still relatively quick overview.

review

Implies a more formal and structured examination.

check out

More informal and suggests a casual inspection.

observe

More formal and indicates a deliberate act of watching.

peruse

Implies a careful and detailed reading or examination.

FAQs

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

You can use "glimpse at" to describe a brief or fleeting look. For example, "I caught a glimpse at the sunset through the trees."

What can I say instead of "glimpse at"?

You can use alternatives like "glance at", "peek at", or "look at" depending on the context.

Is "glimpse at" formal or informal?

"Glimpse at" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might call for "observe" or "examine".

What's the difference between "glimpse at" and "stare at"?

"Glimpse at" implies a brief look, while "stare at" suggests a prolonged and often intense gaze.