glance over

/ɡlɑːns ˈoʊvər/
phrasal verbIntermediate💡 look at quicklyphrasal verb
informal

To look at something quickly, often to get a general idea or check for errors.

He glanced over his notes before the presentation.

He quickly looked at his notes before the presentation.

Can you glance over this report and tell me if anything stands out?

Can you quickly look at this report and tell me if anything stands out?

💡

This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when referring to reviewing something briefly.

Collocations

glance over somethingto quickly look at somethingglance over a documentto quickly review a document

Related Phrases

skim overphrasal verb
to read something quickly without focusing on details
scan overphrasal verb
to look at something quickly to find specific information

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'glance over' when you want to describe quickly looking at something, such as a document or a list.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

While 'glance over' is often used informally, it can also be used in professional settings when referring to a quick review.

📖Word Origin

The verb 'glance' comes from the Old English 'glancian,' meaning to look quickly or sideways. The preposition 'over' indicates a quick look at something.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used when someone wants to review something quickly without going into detail. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Word Breakdown

glance
to look quickly
root
+
over
indicating a quick look at something
preposition
English Dictionary