shot a glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shot a glance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a quick, fleeting look that someone gives, usually in a subtle way. For example, "He shot a glance at the clock as if he were counting the seconds until the meeting was over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I shot a glance over my shoulder.

The New York Times

He shot a glance, over his spectacles, toward an aide.

The New Yorker

Then she shot a glance at the audience: "I am 24".

The New York Times - Arts

He shot a glance at his son and they smiled at each other.

The New York Times

The keyboardist tapped the side of his rig and shot a glance to the back of the room.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hernandez flipped the ball high into the air and shot a glance at Winn, then fired a fastball inside, forcing him to jump out of the way.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He also appealed for adequate funding for the S.E.C., shooting a glance at Mr. Cantor and his fellow Republicans.

The New York Times

When speaking casually during breaks, however, stammers did emerge, and Mr. Auerbach would shoot a glance suggesting a retreat from spontaneity to the rigors of technique.

The New York Times

Mr. Wong delivered the order, which cost $10.95, to a woman who handed over $11. "No tip, no problem," he said, shooting a glance at Building 8. "No safe is problem".

The New York Times

I can 'scope it cheaper than this bozo can open him up," the guy says, shooting a glance at me as if I'm just so much canned corn.

The New York Times

I shoot a glance at Smidge, who is washing her lower legs nonchalantly.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shot a glance" to convey a subtle, quick look, especially when the character doesn't want to be noticed observing something or someone. It adds a layer of furtiveness or haste to the action.

Common error

Avoid using "shot a glance" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your descriptions of looking to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony. Consider using alternatives like "glanced", "peeked", or "stole a look" to add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shot a glance" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of quickly and often furtively looking at something or someone. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various contexts to convey a sense of brevity and subtlety in the act of looking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shot a glance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a brief, often surreptitious look. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "uncommon" in overall frequency, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of fleeting observation. Remember to use it judiciously and consider related phrases to add variety to your writing. By understanding its nuances, you can use this phrase with precision and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glanced briefly

Uses the verb "glanced" directly with the adverb "briefly", simplifying the structure.

cast a fleeting look

Replaces "shot" with "cast" and "glance" with "fleeting look", emphasizing the briefness of the look.

threw a quick look

Substitutes "shot a glance" with "threw a quick look", which is a more dynamic way of describing the action.

darted a look

Replaces "shot" with "darted", emphasizing the suddenness and speed of the glance.

offered a swift gaze

Replaces "shot" with "offered" and "glance" with "swift gaze", providing a slightly more formal tone.

gave a quick peek

Substitutes "shot a glance" with "gave a quick peek", making the phrase more informal.

stole a look

Replaces "shot a glance" with "stole a look", suggesting a secretive or surreptitious glance.

peeked briefly

Combines the idea of a quick and secretive look into a single verb phrase.

cast an eye

Replaces "shot a glance" with the more idiomatic "cast an eye", suggesting a quick or casual observation.

directed a short look

More literal alternative, focusing on the direction and brevity of the look.

FAQs

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

Use "shot a glance" to describe a quick, often furtive, look. For instance, "He shot a glance at his watch, eager to leave."

What can I say instead of "shot a glance"?

You can use alternatives like "glanced briefly", "stole a look", or "cast a fleeting look" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "shot a glance" or "gave a glance"?

"Shot a glance" is more common and idiomatic, suggesting a quicker and more subtle look than "gave a glance", although both can be used.

What's the difference between "shot a glance" and "took a look"?

"Shot a glance" implies a very brief and often surreptitious look, whereas "took a look" suggests a more deliberate and prolonged observation.