First look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "First look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an initial impression or assessment of something, often in contexts like reviews, previews, or introductions. Example: "After a first look at the new software, I can say it has a user-friendly interface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

First, look at workability.

The New York Times

"First Look III," group show.

The New York Times

First Look Pictures.

The New York Times

First, look for compassion stories.

Stanford University

First, look at rule 8.

The Guardian - Books

First look review: Fading Gigolo.

The Guardian - Film

First look at 2 Peter 3 2.

Yale University

First, look at them in the glass.

The New York Times - Magazine

Second, look in the mirror.

The New York Times

First, look at the economy.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

First-look review: The Equalizer.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "First look" to introduce an initial review, preview, or assessment of a product, service, or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "First look" in highly formal reports or academic papers where a more precise and technical term like "Preliminary analysis" or "Initial assessment" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "First look" functions as a noun phrase, often used attributively to modify another noun (e.g., "First look review"). Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable. It introduces an initial examination or impression of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "First look" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce an initial assessment, review, or preview. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely applicable, though more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "initial assessment". Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to provide a quick overview or preliminary impression. When writing, consider the context to determine if "First look" strikes the right balance between accessibility and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initial impression

Focuses on the subjective feeling or understanding gained initially.

First impression

Focuses on the subjective feeling or understanding gained initially.

Preliminary assessment

Emphasizes a formal or structured evaluation conducted at the beginning.

Early glimpse

Highlights the act of seeing something briefly before others.

Sneak peek

Implies a secretive or exclusive preview.

Quick glance

Suggests a brief and cursory look.

Brief overview

Focuses on a concise summary provided at the start.

Introductory survey

Highlights a broad examination at the beginning of a topic.

Pilot study

Implies a small-scale study conducted as a preliminary investigation.

Initial survey

Highlights a survey conducted at the beginning of a research or project.

FAQs

How can I use "First look" in a sentence?

You can use "First look" to introduce an initial review or preview, as in "Here's a "First look" at the new software update" or "After a "First look", the design seems promising".

What are some alternatives to "First look"?

Alternatives include "initial impression", "preliminary assessment", or "early glimpse", depending on the specific context.

Is "First look" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "First look" might be too informal for highly formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider using "initial assessment" or "preliminary analysis".

What's the difference between "First look" and "Initial review"?

"First look" often implies a brief or cursory examination, while "Initial review" suggests a more detailed and structured assessment. Depending on the depth of the analysis, one might be more suitable than the other.