hasty glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hasty glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or hurried look at something, often implying a lack of thoroughness. Example: "She took a hasty glance at the report before the meeting, missing several key details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The other man, shorter in stature, also wearing a suit jacket, with a slight paunch which the much-too-tight jacket emphasized, sent us a hasty glance and looked down.

The New Yorker

The startling announcement that such a measure was in contemplation may have caused some readers of The Times to brush up their school-boy recollections by a hasty glance at the Classical Dictionary, and the anachronism may have struck them as no less singular than that the celebration should take place at Athens, instead of on the grassy banks of the river Alpheus in far-famed Olympia.

The New York Times

And so I brooded all the following morn, Awed by the stern preceptor's face, mine eye Fixed with mock study on my swimming book: Save if the door half opened, and I snatched A hasty glance, and still my heart leaped up, For still I hoped to see the stranger's face, Townsman, or aunt, or sister more beloved, My play-mate when we both were clothed alike!

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Looking us over, he inquired "You guys twenty-one?" The three of us exchanged hasty glances, gulped in synch, and replied "Yeah.

Huffington Post

A glance across Butler Field exposes why hasty generalizations about those who support the Occupy Movement fail to stick.

Huffington Post

She, however, made too hasty a conclusion about Abano, based on a glance from her seat in the bus.

The New York Times - Travel

That is too hasty.

The Economist

We could be hasty.

The New Yorker

That seems hasty.

The Economist

The Louw blow appeared to be more of a glancing contact from McCaw's hip as he ran past rather than anything malicious, proving yet again the need for multiple video angles before judge and jury leap to hasty conclusions.

The Guardian - Sport

The hanging was hasty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hasty glance" when you want to emphasize the speed and lack of thoroughness in someone's observation. It's particularly effective in narrative writing to convey a character's hurried or distracted state.

Common error

Avoid using "hasty glance" when you mean to describe a detailed or thoughtful examination. This phrase implies a quick, superficial look, not a thorough analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hasty glance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "take a hasty glance"). It describes the action of looking quickly and superficially, as validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hasty glance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a quick, often superficial look. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While semantically similar alternatives like "quick glimpse" or "fleeting look" exist, "hasty glance" effectively conveys a sense of hurried or distracted observation. Remember to use it when describing a quick look, not a thorough analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Quick glimpse

Emphasizes the brevity and speed of the look.

Fleeting look

Highlights the transience and momentary nature of the observation.

Passing look

Focuses on the act of looking while moving or passing by.

Brief survey

Suggests a quick and general overview, lacking in detail.

Swift peek

Conveys a sense of hurriedness and furtiveness.

Cursory observation

Implies a superficial and perfunctory examination.

Rapid scan

Suggests a fast and systematic visual search.

Perfunctory glance

Implies the action is carried out with minimum effort or enthusiasm.

Casual look

Emphasizes the informal and relaxed nature of the observation.

Superficial view

Underlines the lack of depth and thoroughness in the visual assessment.

FAQs

What does "hasty glance" mean?

A "hasty glance" means a quick or hurried look at something, often implying a lack of thoroughness or attention to detail.

What can I say instead of "hasty glance"?

You can use alternatives like "quick glimpse", "fleeting look", or "brief survey" depending on the context.

How do I use "hasty glance" in a sentence?

You can use "hasty glance" to describe someone quickly looking at something, for example: "She took a "hasty glance" at the document before signing it".

Is "hasty glance" formal or informal?

"Hasty glance" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.