sweeping glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick, broad look at something, often implying a sense of thoroughness or encompassing view. Example: "She took a sweeping glance around the room, trying to assess the mood of the guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But it's well worth thinking about ordering any roomy cupboard for the same purpose – just make sure everything is easy to hand and view, so one sweeping glance triggers a tsunami of inspiration.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Giving a room a sweeping glance is the closest most men come to housework, besides leaving a roasting pan to soak.

The Guardian - Opinion

The result was "Wings of Their Own," a sweeping glance at women in aviation that goes far beyond the usual historical footage on Women's Air Service Pilots and the 1929 Powder Puff Derby, the first all-women's air race.

The New York Times

"A scrutiny so minute as to bring an object under an untrue angle of vision, is a poorer guide to a man's judgment than a sweeping glance which sees things in their true proportion". A.W. Kinglake (historian, 1809 1891).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Though sweeping at first glance, the reshuffle signals a continuation of present policies – underlining the administration's determination to bring the decade-long war in Afghanistan to a successful conclusion, and to press on with the reforms at the Pentagon initiated by Mr Gates.

Independent

And when the banter finally started, it was just as one expected, one had hoped: erudite and cultured, mischievous and glancing, sweeping back through art, philosophy, history while always staying rooted in the issues of the day.

The New York Times

At first glance, the sweeping credit card legislation that passed the Senate on Tuesday looks like a huge victory for consumers.

The New York Times

Earlier this month, the FDA announced what looked at first glance like sweeping new guidelines on the use of antibiotics in livestock.

Huffington Post

It's a big, sweeping thesis – and at first glance, it may seem persuasive.

Independent

At first glance it looks like the artist uses sweeping brushstrokes to produce the mesmerizing swirls, but Hart lets vibrations do that work.

Vice

He scored twice in three minutes early on to cancel out Wolfsburg's advantage, sweeping home at the back post from six yards before glancing a header into the far corner.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweeping glance" when you want to convey a sense of quickly taking in a broad view or assessing a situation at a high level. It is suitable when detail is not the primary focus.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping glance" if you're describing a careful, detailed examination. The phrase implies a quick, broad overview, not a thorough investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping glance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "take a sweeping glance") or as a noun within a larger clause. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it describes a type of visual action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweeping glance" is a noun phrase denoting a quick, broad observation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. While relatively rare in usage, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are conveying a sense of rapid assessment rather than detailed inspection. If a more specific nuance is needed, consider alternatives like "cursory look" or "brief survey". The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cursory look

Emphasizes the brevity and lack of thoroughness in the observation.

quick overview

Highlights the speed and breadth of the examination.

brief survey

Suggests a rapid and general assessment of something.

passing look

Indicates a casual and fleeting observation.

general scan

Implies a wide-ranging but not necessarily detailed examination.

swift appraisal

Focuses on the speed and judgmental aspect of the observation.

hasty examination

Highlights the rushed nature of the inspection.

superficial inspection

Suggests a surface-level and not in-depth analysis.

fleeting glimpse

Emphasizes the momentary and indistinct nature of the view.

casual observation

Highlights the relaxed and informal way in which something is observed.

FAQs

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

You can use "sweeping glance" to describe someone quickly observing a scene or situation. For example, "She took a sweeping glance around the room, assessing the potential dangers".

What can I say instead of "sweeping glance"?

You can use alternatives like "cursory look", "quick overview", or "brief survey" depending on the context.

Is "sweeping glance" formal or informal?

"Sweeping glance" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from synonyms like "comprehensive assessment".

What does "sweeping glance" imply about the observation?

"Sweeping glance" implies that the observation is quick and broad, focusing on the general impression rather than specific details. It suggests a rapid assessment or overview.