glimpse of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glimpse of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a short or fleeting moment, implying that it has passed quickly. For example, "I caught a brief glimpse of time with my grandmother, but it seemed to pass before I could blink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's like this little glimpse of time where time doesn't actually seem to exist.

Huffington Post

In his message on this week's Day1 radio program--the 4th in our "Faith & Science in the 21st Century" series--Bishop Nicholas Knisely offers us a glimpse of time and eternity, and what quantum physics, and the Bible, have to say about them.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But it's worth remembering a season of plenty in Plymouth Plantation if only for a glimpse of times harder than most of us will ever dream of knowing and for a profundity of thanks that we can only try to imagine on a day like today.

The New York Times

They have written essays on aspects of the 20th century that give an eccentric but intriguing glimpse of times just past, including attitudes toward the environment, civil rights, amateur and professional sports, the impact of World War I. It's a provocative collection by writers young readers know and respect.

The New York Times - Books

We may get glimpses of time that go back so far that they are equivalent to the time on Earth when microbial life was first evolving.

The New York Times

Today as we race through our world we've all experienced glimpses of time's fragments lost long ago.

Huffington Post

The trial also offered a glimpse of a time and a place that has all but disappeared.

The New York Times

But there are wide stretches of the May 14 , 1999 calendars blacked out for privacy issues, so they give only a partial glimpse of her time there.

The New York Times

Traveller's Tales says it has examined the movie and replicated beats and vehicles that may only get a glimpse of screen time.

The Guardian - Tech

By turns sentimental, funny and heartbreaking, it provides an excellent glimpse of a time when everyone, even in far away PEI, was greatly affected by the war.

The Guardian

The exchange affords a glimpse of a time in New York when ideas constituted, indeed, a gladiatorial "arena in which to act" — in a sense of individual, spontaneous performance that channelled history in the making.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glimpse of time" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to describe a brief, significant moment that offers insight into a particular period or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "glimpse of time" when describing events or periods that are not brief or fleeting. It's more suitable for capturing a specific, short-lived moment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glimpse of time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb. It describes a fleeting or brief experience offering insight into a particular period or moment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "glimpse of time" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, though relatively rare in occurrence. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it effectively describes a fleeting moment that provides insight or understanding. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it evokes a neutral tone. When using "glimpse of time", consider its suitability for capturing brief, significant moments rather than extended periods, and remember to choose related phrases like "fleeting moment" or "brief instant" to vary your language and provide context to the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting moment

Replaces "glimpse" with "fleeting" and "time" with "moment", emphasizing brevity.

brief instant

Substitutes "glimpse" with "brief" and "time" with "instant", highlighting the immediacy.

momentary peek

Uses "momentary" instead of "time" and "peek" for "glimpse", conveying a quick look.

fleeting view

Replaces "glimpse" with "fleeting view" focusing on the visual aspect and short duration.

quick snapshot

Emphasizes a rapid capture, like a photograph, of a moment.

brief observation

Highlights the act of observing something for a short period.

transient experience

Focuses on the short-lived nature of the experience.

passing moment

Emphasizes the ephemeral nature of the moment.

brief window

Describes a short opportunity to see or experience something.

ephemeral instance

Highlights the fleeting and non-lasting quality of the instance.

FAQs

How can I use "glimpse of time" in a sentence?

You can use "glimpse of time" to describe a brief or fleeting moment that offers insight or understanding. For example, "The old photograph offered a "glimpse of time" into my grandmother's childhood."

What phrases are similar to "glimpse of time"?

Similar phrases include "fleeting moment", "brief instant", or "momentary peek", all suggesting a brief and often revealing experience.

Is "glimpse of time" a formal or informal expression?

"Glimpse of time" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the formal side due to its descriptive nature.

What's the difference between "glimpse of time" and "sign of the times"?

"Glimpse of time" refers to a brief look into a particular period, whereas "sign of the times" indicates something that is characteristic or representative of a particular period.