What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
glance
Example
She gave a quick glance at her watch. [glance: noun]
Example
He glanced over his shoulder to see if anyone was following him. [glanced: past tense]
look
Example
She took a closer look at the painting to appreciate its details. [look: noun]
Example
He looked at her with concern when she started coughing. [looked: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Look is more commonly used than glance in everyday language. Look is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while glance is less common and refers to a more fleeting or passing observation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between glance and look?
While glance is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, look is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
