in one glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in one glance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe quickly taking in a person or situation. For example: The bartender took in the noisy crowd in one glance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"They can catch their meaning in one glance".

The New York Times - Arts

Shops were filled with clerks who could tell a customer's size in one glance.

The New York Times

If I hold up this chicory flower, you need to identify it in one glance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In one glance, youcan take in Lower Manhattan,the River Café, the Bargemusicbarge, the Staten IslandFerry and the soaring bridgeyou just traversed.

The New York Times

When I met Pauline Esteves, the elder of the Timbisha tribe, I had the unmistakable sense of being sized up in one glance.

The New Yorker

This is religious time, and is belied by the novel itself, which tells us in its every comic, secular scene that Mr. Biswas's life cannot be comprehended in one glance.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

David has a wall of picture postcards in Manhattan; one glance at the location on a card, and he can spirit himself there.

The New Yorker

But in that one glance I became a student in her master class on, well, class.

The New York Times

I was pleased to have taken everything in, without one glance at my iPhone to tweet, tag or Instagram something as per usual media events.

Huffington Post

We may not know each other's full names, our life story, but in just one glance, we know that somehow, this was our life story now.

Huffington Post

As Christopher Hitchens observed in Slate months ago, one glance at the website of the Trinity United Church of Christ should have convinced anyone that Obama's connection to Reverend Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. would be a problem at some point in this campaign.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in one glance" to vividly describe situations where understanding or assessment occurs almost instantaneously. For example, "The seasoned detective could assess a crime scene "in one glance".".

Common error

Avoid using "in one glance" when describing a detailed or complex analysis. This phrase is best suited for capturing immediate, surface-level assessments. Instead, opt for expressions like "after careful consideration" or "upon closer inspection" when describing situations that require more thorough examination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in one glance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the speed or immediacy of an action. It indicates that something is perceived or understood very quickly. Ludwig confirms this is a valid construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in one glance" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to convey the idea of immediate perception or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, from news reports to academic writing. While alternatives like ""at a glance"" exist, "in one glance" provides a slightly more emphatic and vivid description. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the speed and ease of comprehension you intend to convey. Keep in mind it is more suited for surface-level, immediate assessments rather than complex analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a glance

This alternative is more concise and emphasizes the immediacy of understanding.

with a single look

Emphasizes the singularity of the act of observation.

with a quick look

This option is more literal and describes the action of looking quickly.

instantly

This adverb focuses on the speed of comprehension.

immediately

Similar to "instantly", but can also imply a response or action taken without delay.

in an instant

This phrase highlights the very short duration of the act of perceiving.

at first sight

Implies an immediate judgment or impression based on initial observation.

upon initial observation

A more formal and descriptive way of expressing immediate perception.

in a flash

Uses figurative language to emphasize the speed of understanding.

with immediate perception

Highlights the speed and accuracy of understanding something.

FAQs

How can I use "in one glance" in a sentence?

Use "in one glance" to describe a situation where something is understood or assessed very quickly. For example, "She could tell he was lying "at a glance"."

What can I say instead of "in one glance"?

You can use alternatives like ""at a glance"", "with a quick look", or "instantly" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "in one glance" and "at first sight"?

"In one glance" refers to immediate comprehension, while "at first sight" often implies an immediate attraction or judgment.

Is it correct to say "in a glance" instead of "in one glance"?

While "in one glance" is the more common and standard expression, "in a glance" might be acceptable in informal contexts, though it's less frequently used and could sound awkward to some. "In one glance" is generally preferred.