momentary glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "momentary glimpse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or fleeting view of something, often implying that the observation is not lasting or comprehensive. Example: "As I walked past the window, I caught a momentary glimpse of the sunset, its colors fading quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"You have to socialise," he says, allowing a momentary glimpse at his working process.

The Guardian - Music

That store rolls back mountains and opens up valleys, and offers lifers a momentary glimpse into green pastures.

The New Yorker

He had a momentary glimpse of blood and bodies, smoke and fire before lapsing back into unconsciousness.

Independent

By the end he has somehow conveyed the impression that we have had a momentary glimpse into his mind.

The New York Times - Arts

The event "provides us only a momentary glimpse" into the experiences of campus workers, said YDS member Braden Flax '21.

Princeton University

Willy has a momentary glimpse of the overwhelming mystery of the universe, and perhaps on some subconscious level the smallness of a single man's life within it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

These momentary glimpses into Mr Ford's life are tantalising, edging towards a striking poetic style.

The Economist

This piece is from a series of still lifes that capture my momentary glimpses of the essence of things we turn into our possessions.

University of California, Berkeley

From an artist's standpoint, I think it's that intense desire to capture those momentary glimpses on canvas so I could share them with others".

The New York Times

Whatever momentary glimpses into the period of the later ministry of Peter remain can only be noted in a discussion of his relationship with the two other outstanding Apostles of the time, James and Paul.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whatever momentary glimpses into the period of the later ministry of Peter remain can only be noted in a discussion of his relationship with the two other outstanding apostles of the time, St. James and St. Paul.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "momentary glimpse" to vividly describe a fleeting or transient view, adding a sense of transience and impermanence to the observation. For example: "Through the rain-streaked window, I caught a "momentary glimpse" of the city lights."

Common error

Avoid using "momentary glimpse" excessively in formal reports or academic papers where a more objective or precise term like "brief observation" or "quick view" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "momentary glimpse" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "momentary" modifies the noun "glimpse". It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, typically describing a brief visual experience. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "momentary glimpse" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a brief and fleeting visual observation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's often found in news and media contexts, as well as in academic writing. While alternatives like "fleeting glimpse" or "brief look" exist, "momentary glimpse" emphasizes both the brevity and visual nature of the experience. When writing, use this phrase to add a sense of transience to a scene, but avoid overuse in highly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting glimpse

Replaces "momentary" with "fleeting", emphasizing the quick and transient nature of the view.

brief glimpse

Replaces "momentary" with "brief", offering a more concise alternative.

fleeting look

Substitutes "glimpse" with "look", providing a more casual term for a quick observation.

quick peek

Replaces "glimpse" with "peek", suggesting a furtive or surreptitious view.

passing glance

Replaces the entire phrase with a compound noun, highlighting the swiftness of the observation.

transient view

Replaces "momentary glimpse" with a phrase that emphasizes the temporary nature of the view.

short sighting

Replaces the phrase with words that emphasize the visual aspect and brevity of the observation.

hasty look

Substitutes "glimpse" with "look", while "hasty" implies a rushed or hurried observation.

rapid sighting

Uses "rapid" to replace "momentary", emphasizing the fast nature of seeing something.

split-second view

Emphasizes the extremely short duration of the viewing experience.

FAQs

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

"Momentary glimpse" is used to describe a very brief or fleeting view of something. For instance: "She caught a "momentary glimpse" of the celebrity as the car sped past".

What can I say instead of "momentary glimpse"?

Alternatives to "momentary glimpse" include "fleeting glimpse", "brief look", or "passing glance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "momentary glimpse" and "fleeting glimpse"?

While "momentary glimpse" and "fleeting glimpse" are very similar, "fleeting" often emphasizes the quick disappearance of the view, while "momentary" highlights the brief duration of the experience.

What does "momentary glimpse" imply about the observation?

"Momentary glimpse" implies that the observation is not complete or comprehensive, but rather a quick, often incomplete view of something. It suggests transience and a lack of detailed perception.