passing glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passing glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or brief look at something or someone, often implying that the observation was not thorough or detailed. Example: "She caught his eye for a passing glance before turning back to her book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not one gave more than a passing glance.

Princeton University

No one gave them more than a passing glance.

The New York Times

Not just a passing glance, but a really serious inspection?

The Guardian - Money

Mr. De Vincenzo deserves more than a passing glance because his technique seems extraordinarily mature.

The New York Times

You get to linger over things that previously might have merited only a passing glance.

The New York Times - Travel

The case containing their pieces merits more than a passing glance.

The New York Times

As such, they demand a closer look than the passing glance we might usually impart.

The Guardian

As to the other concerns, he said, the report "doesn't even give it a passing glance".

The New York Times

Not that any of the young lions gives the views more than a passing glance.

The New York Times - Travel

One passing glance from Milena told her that she did look stupid in her scarf and her lipstick.

The New Yorker

No, because actually I look very dissimilar to Bill Nighy up close, but at a passing glance it has happened.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something that deserves more attention, use "passing glance" to highlight the inadequacy of a quick, superficial look.

Common error

Avoid using "passing glance" when you want to express genuine curiosity or engagement. It implies a lack of thoroughness or interest, so choose a different phrase if you intend to show attention or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing glance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb to describe the act of briefly or superficially looking at something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passing glance" is a common noun phrase used to describe a brief and often superficial look. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. Its primary function is to indicate a lack of thoroughness or deep engagement in observation. While suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic writing, its neutral register makes it widely applicable. Alternative phrases like "fleeting look" or "quick look" can be used depending on the specific nuance intended. When using "passing glance", ensure it accurately reflects the level of attention given, avoiding confusion with expressions of genuine interest or curiosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting look

Emphasizes the brevity and transience of the look.

cursory look

Highlights the lack of thoroughness in the examination.

quick look

Simplifies the description to a short and rapid observation.

brief glimpse

Focuses on the momentary and incomplete nature of the view.

hasty look

Suggests the look was done quickly, possibly due to urgency.

casual glance

Indicates a relaxed and informal observation.

perfunctory look

Emphasizes the lack of interest or enthusiasm in the observation.

superficial observation

Highlights the lack of depth in the examination.

momentary peek

Highlights the very short time spent viewing.

swift observation

Highlights the speed at which the observation was made.

FAQs

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

You can use "passing glance" to describe a brief or superficial look, as in: "He gave the document only a "passing glance" before signing it."

What are some alternatives to "passing glance"?

Alternatives include "fleeting look", "quick look", or "brief glimpse", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "passing glance" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to convey that something received only minimal attention. However, consider whether a more precise term might be more suitable for your specific context.

What's the difference between "passing glance" and "in-depth analysis"?

"Passing glance" implies a superficial look, while "in-depth analysis" suggests a thorough and detailed examination. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of attention and scrutiny.