occasional glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "occasional glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or infrequent look at something or someone. Example: "During the meeting, I took an occasional glance at my notes to ensure I was on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It isn't going backward, but the occasional glance through the rear-view mirror seems inescapable.

The New York Times

Back at the front counter, Mac chats with the salesman, casting an occasional glance toward the front window.

The New York Times - Magazine

People seldom "enjoy" their hair and makeup, except for the occasional glance in a mirror or car window.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For the most part, common sense and the occasional glance downwards were all that was required, though in a few residential areas more care was needed.

Independent

They stood 40 feet apart during player introductions, arms folded, stealing an occasional glance the other way without acknowledging each other's existence.

The New York Times - Sports

The first half of class is typically devoted to his lecture, delivered while seated, with only the occasional glance at his notes.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

A trained corporate lawyer, he talked freely with only occasional glances at notes.

The New York Times

The rest of the audience shuffled out, casting them occasional glances.

The Guardian - Film

Until this week, though, it had largely been relegated to social media jokes and an occasional glancing reference on cable news.

The Washington Post

Stealing occasional glances up at the screen, he chopped yellowtail into shreds and lifted it with the broad side of his knife onto clear plastic wrap.

The New York Times

There is no party tonight, no fire lit in the garden, just the occasional glances at a particularly extravagant cascade of lights over the East End.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "occasional glance" to describe a brief, infrequent look, often implying a lack of sustained attention. This phrase is suitable for describing someone subtly observing something or someone else without making it obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "occasional glance" when the context requires a description of focused or prolonged attention. It's best suited for situations where the look is fleeting and not the primary focus of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "occasional glance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb such as 'cast', 'steal', or 'take'. It describes the act of briefly looking at something or someone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Academia

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "occasional glance" is a phrase used to describe a brief and infrequent look. Grammatically correct and commonly used, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in News & Media. As Ludwig confirms, it indicates a subtle and non-committal observation, implying a lack of sustained attention. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a fleeting look rather than a focused gaze. Consider alternatives like "fleeting look" or "brief glimpse" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting look

Replaces "glance" with "look", emphasizing the brevity of the action.

cursory look

Implies a quick and somewhat superficial look.

brief glimpse

Substitutes "glance" with "glimpse", suggesting a very short and incomplete view.

quick peek

Uses "peek" to denote a hurried and often secretive look.

casual observation

Emphasizes the lack of intent or focus in the looking.

passing look

Indicates a look that is brief and on the way to something else.

sporadic glimpse

Highlights the irregular and infrequent nature of the look.

infrequent look

Directly states that the looking is not common.

rare glimpse

Emphasizes the uncommon nature of the looking.

chance look

Suggests the look happened by accident or coincidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "occasional glance" to describe a brief and infrequent look. For example, "During the presentation, he cast an "occasional glance" at the audience to gauge their reaction."

What are some alternatives to "occasional glance"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "occasional glance" in formal writing?

Yes, "occasional glance" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you need to emphasize the superficiality of the look, "cursory look" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "occasional glance" and "stare"?

"Occasional glance" implies a brief and infrequent look, while "stare" suggests a prolonged and fixed gaze. The former is subtle and often unintentional, whereas the latter is more intense and deliberate.