peek over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'peek over' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a situation in which someone looks over something quickly or hastily, with a slight glance. For example: I peeked over the fence to see if my neighbor's dog was still in their yard.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Perhaps it was just the area I chose to peek over, but the city seemed dead beneath me.

TechCrunch

I peek over her shoulder.

The New Yorker

On these pages, a peek over the top.

The New York Times

Some peek over the brows of hills, their feet buried in snowy slippers.

Independent

Small hovering drones would peek over ridgetops, while unoccupied helicopters would watch troop movements.

The New York Times - Science

At worst it's the digital version of a peek over the back fence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here you can peek over the counter to make sure it is clean.

The New York Times

And I always do — so low a caterpillar could peek over it.

The New Yorker

Of course, I can't help but peek over my son's shoulder every now and then.

The New Yorker

"You're immortal, aren't you, until you get a little peek over the precipice.

The Guardian - Film

(Though Stone Street's security guards may let you have a peek over the fence, depending on their mood).

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "peek over" to describe a quick, often furtive, look, especially when something is partially hidden or there's an obstruction to the view. It's suitable for informal and narrative contexts.

Common error

While "peek over" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, it is less suitable for formal or professional writing where a more direct or descriptive term like "observe" or "examine" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "peek over" functions as a phrasal verb, combining a verb ("peek") with a preposition ("over") to create a specific meaning. It describes the action of looking quickly or furtively, often implying a partial or obstructed view. Ludwig confirms the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "peek over" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb that describes the action of looking quickly or furtively, often over an obstruction. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and usability in various writing contexts. While predominantly found in news and media, as well as informal writing, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. As examples show, "peek over" is ideal for expressing curiosity or discreet observation in narrative and descriptive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peep over

Implies a sneaky or quick look, often from a hidden position.

glance over

Emphasizes a quick and cursory look.

steal a glance at

Suggests a surreptitious or hurried look.

look over

A more general term for examining something, but can imply a quick look depending on context.

peer over

Suggests looking intently, often overcoming an obstacle.

have a quick look at

Emphasizes the brevity and intent of the observation.

take a glimpse of

Highlights the briefness and incompleteness of the view.

get a brief view of

Highlights the limited visibility or duration of the view.

cast an eye over

A more formal and literary way to express a quick look.

survey briefly

Focuses on a rapid and comprehensive assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "peek over" in a sentence?

You can use "peek over" to describe someone looking quickly and discreetly, like "I peeked over the fence to see what the neighbors were doing".

What are some alternatives to "peek over"?

Some alternatives include "glance over", "look over", or "peer over", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "peek over"?

In formal writing or professional contexts, it might be better to use a more neutral term like "observe" or "examine" instead of "peek over".

What does it mean to "peek over" something?

To "peek over" something means to look quickly and often secretly or furtively over the top of it.