a first glance

USAGE SUMMARY

In general, "a first glance" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used to indicate an initial or quick observation or assessment of something. You can use it to describe a first impression or a first look at something. Example: At a first glance, the painting appeared to be a simple landscape, but upon closer inspection, it revealed hidden layers of meaning.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The game offered a first glance at Cleveland's revamped lineup.

The New York Times

At a first glance, the product development processes of various products are distinctly different.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

A first glance at the company's financials gives reason for pause.

The New York Times

No way that, after a first glance, you could pick one out of a lineup.

The New York Times

However, at a first glance the bow shapes of modern ice breaking vessels seem to be quite similar.

Ocean Engineering

At a first glance, it is difficult to say why it should be so compelling.

The New York Times - Arts

At a first glance, ethanol, toluene and methyl tert-butyl ether look nothing alike with respect to their molecular structures.

Progress in Energy and Combustion Science

Interestingly, "forceful" appears here too, which at a first glance might seem surprising.

Harvard Business Review

At a first glance low cost automation could be regarded as cheap hardware (sensors, actuators and controller).

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

That is but a first glance at the imponderable problems the majority creates.

The New York Times

But there's always more to the Muppets than a first glance can reveal.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a first glance" to introduce a preliminary assessment that will be followed by a more detailed analysis or deeper understanding. This helps to set up expectations for the reader.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a first glance" as a definitive conclusion. Instead, use it as a stepping stone to further investigation or a more nuanced perspective. Always indicate that the initial impression might not tell the whole story.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first glance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or perspective of an initial observation. It is used to introduce a preliminary assessment, often preceding a more detailed analysis. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a first glance" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce an initial observation or assessment. It functions as an adverbial phrase, setting the stage for further analysis or deeper understanding. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely used across various contexts, including science, news media, and academia. Related phrases include "at first sight" and "on initial inspection". When using this phrase, it's important to remember that this is only a first impression and further investigation may be needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first sight

This alternative focuses on the visual aspect of the initial impression.

on initial inspection

This alternative is more formal and suggests a brief examination.

at the outset

This alternative emphasizes the beginning or starting point of an observation.

in the beginning

This option is a straightforward way to refer to the starting point.

at first blush

This alternative is more idiomatic and conveys an immediate, often superficial, impression.

from the start

This option highlights the initial stage of observation or assessment.

on the surface

This alternative suggests a superficial or apparent understanding.

initially

This is a simple adverb expressing the idea of 'at first'.

at face value

This alternative means accepting something as it appears without deeper analysis.

superficially

This adverb describes an assessment that is not thorough or deep.

FAQs

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

Use "a first glance" to introduce an initial observation or assessment. For example, "At "a first glance", the data seemed to support the hypothesis, but further analysis revealed inconsistencies."

What are some alternatives to saying "a first glance"?

You can use alternatives such as "at first sight", "on initial inspection", or "at the outset" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "at a first glance" or "at first glance"?

The correct and more common phrasing is "at "a first glance"". Using "at first glance" without the article "a" is also grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "a first glance" and "a second glance"?

"A first glance" refers to an initial or quick look, while "a second glance" implies reviewing or re-examining something, often to catch details missed initially.