last glance

USAGE SUMMARY

"last glance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the final moment of looking at something before turning away or leaving. Example: As she packed her bags, she took one last glance at her childhood bedroom, feeling a pang of nostalgia before closing the door behind her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

She takes one last glance in the mirror.

The New York Times - Books

At last glance, Northern Irish GDP per head was a mere 76% of the United Kingdom's.

The Economist

Her last glance over one shoulder before shutting the catacombs was heart-breaking.

Independent

At last glance, it protects even those whose words are deemed obnoxious.

The New York Times

Turning inland from Kihei, I cast one last glance at the ocean.

The New York Times - Travel

Later, in the canoe back to Ucaima, I stole a last glance at Angel Falls.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

In the meantime there is something to look forward to: when your correspondent last glanced at the enormous clock on the wall of Nathan's Famous hot-dog stand, there were 332 days, 17 hours, 26 minutes and 12.8 seconds until the next July 4th hot-dog eating contest.

The Economist

Nowitzki took several lasting glances as the banner was slowly hoisted into the rafters, watching the crowning moment of his career finally being memorialized amid a rousing standing ovation.

The New York Times - Sports

Redford gave him a last, assessing glance.

The New Yorker

I followed him out to the driveway, taking one last hopeful glance back at the house.

The New Yorker

Casting one last disconsolate glance at Tabby, he Unfriended her in his heart and headed out.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "last glance" to add a sense of finality or nostalgia to a scene, especially when describing a character leaving a place or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "last glances" unless referring to multiple, distinct instances of looking back. The singular form is generally more appropriate to convey a single, final look.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last glance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb. It represents the act of looking one final time, usually before a departure or significant change. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Travel

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "last glance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes a final look at something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English writing. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, and its purpose is to convey closure or nostalgia. Related phrases include "final look" and "parting look". When using "last glance", remember to use the singular form unless referring to distinct instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one last look

Adds 'one' for emphasis on the singularity of the action.

final look

Replaces 'glance' with 'look', emphasizing the act of seeing one last time.

parting look

Uses 'parting' to highlight the context of departure or separation.

a farewell look

Emphasizes the act of saying goodbye through a final look.

final glimpse

Substitutes 'glance' with 'glimpse', suggesting a brief or fleeting look.

a parting view

Implies that the view is happening at a moment of separation.

last peek

Replaces "glance" with "peek", suggesting a quick or furtive look.

final sighting

Uses "sighting" to indicate a visual observation.

a backward look

Focuses on the direction of the gaze before departing.

a concluding view

Highlights the sense of closure associated with the final look.

FAQs

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

You can use "last glance" to describe a final look at something before departing or a significant change. For example, "She cast a "last glance" at her childhood home before moving away".

What phrases are similar to "last glance"?

Alternatives include "final look", "parting look", or "one last look". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "last glances"?

While grammatically possible if referring to multiple instances, ""last glance"" is typically used to describe a single, final look. Using the plural form is less common.

What's the difference between "last glance" and "second glance"?

"Last glance" refers to a final look, implying a departure or end. "Second glance" implies a re-evaluation or reconsideration, suggesting something was missed or needed a closer look the first time.