Cursory vs Glance: When To Use Each One In Writing?

When it comes to describing a quick look at something, two words that are often used interchangeably are “cursory” and “glance.” However, there are subtle differences between the two that can impact the meaning of your sentence. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of these two words and when it’s appropriate to use each one.

Let’s define our terms. According to Merriam-Webster, “cursory” means “hasty and usually superficial.” In other words, a cursory glance is a quick look that doesn’t involve much detail or analysis. On the other hand, “glance” simply means “to take a quick look at something.” This can be a more intentional action than a cursory glance, but it doesn’t necessarily imply a deep understanding of the object being looked at.

So, which word is the “proper” one to use? It depends on the context of your sentence. If you’re trying to convey that someone didn’t spend much time examining something, “cursory” is likely the best choice. However, if you simply want to describe a quick look, “glance” is more appropriate.

As we delve further into the differences between these two words, we’ll explore specific examples and provide tips for using them effectively in your writing.

Define Cursory

Cursory refers to something that is done quickly or hastily, without paying much attention to details or accuracy. A cursory inspection, for example, is one that is done rapidly and without much care or thoroughness. The term “cursory” is often used to describe a superficial or shallow approach to something, where only the most basic or obvious features are considered.

Define Glance

A glance, on the other hand, is a quick or brief look or glance at something. Unlike a cursory inspection, a glance is not necessarily done with the intention of assessing or evaluating something in detail. Instead, a glance is often used to get a general sense of something or to quickly identify its most salient features. A glance is typically a very short and casual form of observation, often lasting only a few seconds.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning accurately. Two words that are often confused with each other are “cursory” and “glance.” While they both refer to a quick look, they have different connotations and should be used appropriately.

How To Use “Cursory” In A Sentence

“Cursory” is an adjective that describes something done quickly and without attention to detail. It implies that the action was hasty and incomplete. Here are some examples of how to use “cursory” in a sentence:

• After a cursory glance at the report, the manager approved it without thoroughly reviewing it.
• The teacher gave the student a cursory grade for the incomplete assignment.
• He only gave the contract a cursory read before signing it, which led to some unexpected consequences.

As you can see, “cursory” is used to describe actions that are quick and incomplete, often leading to negative consequences. It is important to use this word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

How To Use “Glance” In A Sentence

“Glance” is a verb that means to take a quick look at something. It is often used to describe actions that are brief but not necessarily incomplete. Here are some examples of how to use “glance” in a sentence:

• She glanced at her watch to see how much time was left in the meeting.
• He glanced over his shoulder to make sure no one was following him.
• The chef glanced at the recipe before beginning to cook.

As you can see, “glance” is used to describe actions that are quick and often casual. It does not imply that the action was incomplete or hasty. It is important to use this word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

More Examples Of Cursory & Glance Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use the words “cursory” and “glance” in sentences. By understanding the context in which these words are used, you can improve your vocabulary and communication skills.

Examples Of Using Cursory In A Sentence

• After a cursory glance at the report, the manager decided to schedule a meeting with the team.
• The student only gave the textbook a cursory reading before the exam.
• The journalist’s cursory investigation led to a groundbreaking story.
• She only had a cursory knowledge of the subject, so she decided to do more research.
• The company’s cursory inspection of the product led to a recall.
• The detective’s cursory examination of the crime scene revealed some important clues.
• He gave the contract a cursory review before signing it.
• The doctor’s cursory examination of the patient led to a misdiagnosis.
• She gave the email a cursory glance before hitting send.
• His cursory understanding of the topic led to a poor presentation.

Examples Of Using Glance In A Sentence

• She took a quick glance at her watch and realized she was running late.
• He gave the menu a quick glance before deciding what to order.
• The teacher gave the student a disapproving glance for talking in class.
• He caught a glance of the beautiful sunset out of the corner of his eye.
• The runner took a quick glance behind her to see if her competitors were catching up.
• She gave him a sidelong glance to let him know she was not amused.
• He couldn’t help but steal a glance at the attractive woman sitting across from him.
• The driver took his eyes off the road for a split second to steal a glance at his phone.
• She gave her friend a knowing glance to signal that she understood what he was going through.
• He took a quick glance at the map to make sure he was going in the right direction.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

It is common for people to use the words cursory and glance interchangeably, but this can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

1. Using “Cursory” To Mean “Glance”

One common mistake is using the word “cursory” to mean “glance”. While both words imply a quick look, “cursory” means a superficial or hasty examination, while “glance” simply means a brief look. For example, saying “I gave the document a cursory glance” implies a more thorough examination than saying “I gave the document a quick glance”.

2. Using “Glance” To Mean “Cursory”

Conversely, using the word “glance” to mean “cursory” can also lead to confusion. While both words imply a quick look, “cursory” implies a more superficial examination than “glance”. For example, saying “I gave the document a glance” implies a less thorough examination than saying “I gave the document a cursory examination”.

3. Using Both Words Interchangeably

Another common mistake is using both words interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication. It is important to use the correct word depending on the level of examination required. If a more thorough examination is required, use “cursory”. If a brief look is sufficient, use “glance”.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, here are some tips:

• Be aware of the differences between “cursory” and “glance”
• Think about the level of examination required before using either word
• Use the correct word depending on the level of examination required

By following these tips, you can avoid confusion and miscommunication when using these words.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “cursory” and “glance,” context is key. The right choice depends on the situation and what you’re trying to convey. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between cursory and glance might change:

1. Reading

If you’re talking about reading something quickly, you might use either “cursory” or “glance,” but the connotations are different. “Cursory” implies that you’re not really paying close attention, while “glance” suggests that you’re taking a quick look but still absorbing some information. For example:

• “I gave the report a cursory read before the meeting.”
• “I glanced at the article on my way to work.”

2. Inspection

If you’re talking about inspecting something, the choice between “cursory” and “glance” might depend on the level of detail you’re looking for. “Cursory” suggests a quick and superficial examination, while “glance” could imply a more focused look. For example:

• “The inspector gave the building a cursory inspection.”
• “I took a quick glance at the engine to see if anything was obviously wrong.”

3. Conversation

In a conversation, the choice between “cursory” and “glance” might depend on how much attention you’re paying to the other person. “Cursory” could suggest that you’re not really listening, while “glance” might imply that you’re still engaged in the conversation, even if you’re not fully focused. For example:

• “I gave her a cursory response before turning back to my work.”
• “I glanced at my phone while he was talking, but I was still listening.”

Overall, the choice between “cursory” and “glance” depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of these words, you can communicate more effectively and accurately convey your intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

When Cursory Might Not Apply

While cursory is generally used to describe a quick and superficial examination, there are some cases where it might not be appropriate:

• Legal Documents: When reviewing legal documents, a cursory examination may not be enough to catch all the necessary details. In this case, a more thorough review is necessary to ensure accuracy and avoid legal issues.
• Medical Examinations: When performing a medical examination, a cursory check may not reveal all the necessary information. A more comprehensive examination is required to diagnose and treat medical conditions properly.

When Glance Might Not Apply

While glance is typically used to describe a quick and casual look, there are some situations where it may not be appropriate:

• Artistic Appreciation: When viewing a piece of art, a glance may not be enough to fully appreciate its beauty and detail. A more extended and thoughtful observation is necessary to fully appreciate the artwork.
• Technical Analysis: When analyzing technical data, a glance may not provide enough information to make an informed decision. A more detailed analysis is necessary to ensure accuracy and avoid mistakes.

It is essential to understand when the rules for using cursory and glance may not apply. In some cases, a more thorough examination or observation is necessary to ensure accuracy and avoid mistakes.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of cursory and glance can be achieved through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either cursory or glance:

1. She gave the report only a ____________ look before submitting it.
2. The detective took a ____________ look at the evidence before making a decision.
3. He gave the book a ____________ read before returning it to the library.

Answer Key: 1. cursory, 2. glance, 3. cursory

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

1. He took a ____________ look at the menu before deciding what to order.
2. The teacher’s ____________ grading of the papers resulted in many mistakes.
3. She gave the painting a ____________ look before deciding to buy it.

Answer Key: 1. cursory, 2. cursory, 3. glance

Exercise 3: Use The Word In A Sentence

Use either cursory or glance in a sentence:

1. __________________ at the clock, she realized she was late for her appointment.
2. He took a ____________ look at the report, but didn’t find anything useful.
3. Her ____________ reading of the novel left her confused about the plot.

Answer Key: 1. Glancing, 2. cursory, 3. cursory

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of cursory and glance in sentences.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between cursory and glance, it is clear that these two terms are not interchangeable. A cursory examination implies a more thorough and detailed examination than a glance, which is a quick and brief look.

It is important to use the correct term in order to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion. Additionally, understanding the nuances of language use and grammar can greatly improve communication and writing skills.

Key Takeaways:

• Cursory and glance are not interchangeable terms
• Cursory implies a more thorough examination than a glance
• Using the correct term is important for clear communication
• Improving language use and grammar skills can enhance communication and writing abilities

Overall, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate and convey intended meanings. By paying attention to the details, we can improve our writing and make a lasting impact on our readers.