mere glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere glimpse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or superficial view of something, often implying that the view is not comprehensive or detailed. Example: "After a mere glimpse of the painting, I knew I wanted to learn more about the artist's work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Phelps described his sub-50-second swim as a mere glimpse into his imagination.

The New York Times - Sports

A mere glimpse of that attenuated line between the two brains reduced accomplished neurologists to sputtering incredulities.

The New York Times - Magazine

But in reality, we are desperately open to being swayed in unhelpful directions by a mere glimpse at a picture.

The Guardian

You may think a mere glimpse of a piece of territory still cut off by barbed wire would be rather depressing.

The Economist

Afterward, as Justin scrambled into the van, a mere glimpse of the back of his head set off shrieks from fans: Music to your ears, Justin?

The New York Times

I retired after last season, but this preseason the mere glimpse of training camp images on television caused my back and knees to begin aching.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

They bring to mind a time when mere glimpses of stocking were shocking, and a woman's exposed lower limbs were perceived as stairways to heaven or hell.

The New York Times - Arts

SNAPSHOTS is inspired by the notion that without lived experience, it is often difficult to see more than mere glimpses into the lives of patients, caregivers, and loved ones affected by HD.

Stanford University

And she herself emerges from this movie an enigmatic figure: calmly getting the interviews, cajoling Michael in his studio recording, managing the situation, but revealing mere glimpses of herself in occasional emails she writes.

The Guardian - Film

Tom yam kum, a Thai broth in which two jumbo shrimp, bean sprouts and several straw mushrooms floated, was such liquid fire that its heat permitted only mere glimpses of the lemongrass and tamarind flavor to peep through.

The New York Times

It's also a revelation to see how meticulously Rendell reconstructs that long-ago period and place from mere glimpses of a street without cars or an open field where a boy could see the stars.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere glimpse" to suggest that an observation or understanding is incomplete or superficial due to its brevity. For example, "A "mere glimpse" of the data was enough to raise concerns."

Common error

Avoid using "mere glimpse" when the observation is actually insightful or significant, as it can undermine the impact of the statement. Instead, reserve it for genuinely superficial or limited views.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere glimpse" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a brief or superficial view of something, suggesting a lack of thoroughness. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mere glimpse" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a brief, superficial look at something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media. To add nuance, consider alternatives like "fleeting glance" or "cursory look". Remember to use "mere glimpse" when you specifically want to highlight the limited nature of an observation, avoiding its use when the view is more insightful than superficial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting glance

Emphasizes the brevity and quickness of the view.

brief peek

Suggests a quick and often secretive look.

cursory look

Indicates a superficial and not thorough examination.

passing view

Highlights that the view is transient and not prolonged.

quick sighting

Focuses on the act of seeing something briefly.

hasty observation

Implies a rushed and possibly incomplete observation.

fleeting impression

Suggests that the view created a brief and possibly superficial impression.

superficial overview

Highlights the lack of depth in the examination.

rapid survey

Emphasizes the speed and lack of detail in the view.

transient view

Highlights the temporary nature of the view.

FAQs

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

You can use "mere glimpse" to describe a brief or superficial view of something. For instance, "A "mere glimpse" of the financial report revealed underlying issues."

What can I say instead of "mere glimpse"?

Alternatives include "fleeting glance", "brief peek", or "cursory look", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "mere glimpse" in formal writing?

Yes, "mere glimpse" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize the limited nature of an observation or understanding. However, consider using alternatives like "superficial overview" for an even more formal tone.

What's the difference between "mere glimpse" and "in-depth analysis"?

"Mere glimpse" implies a quick, superficial look, whereas "in-depth analysis" suggests a thorough and detailed examination. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of investigation.