as a first impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a first impression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing initial thoughts or feelings about someone or something upon first encountering them. Example: "As a first impression, I found the presentation to be engaging and informative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I expect hardware to keep getting better but what impressed me -- at least as a first impression -- was the software that Samsung added to the phone.

Forbes

As a first impression, I got what Yotaphone is doing more than I got what Nokia is doing.

MIT Technology Review

I asked Grace if she wanted me to tell them she had been anorexic, but she didn't - she didn't want that as a first impression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a first impression, the debut album may take on a mythical status, whether the artist or group achieves enduring success or in rare cases when an initial record turns out to be an apogee for an artist.

Stanford University

The interviewers (authors) wrote a brief reflective memo after each interview as a first impression.

Journal for Labour Market Research

Wachtel says that despite yesterdays rebound, the markets vital signs arent as healthy as a first impression may suggest.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He makes as good a first impression as the opening morsels: a rainbow of vegetables punched up with numbing Sichuan peppercorns, kicky kimchi, slender chicken spring rolls best dipped into Chinese mustard.

The Washington Post

The whole questionnaire is on a single page, allowing for a first impression as one that is less challenging than a lengthier document.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

It was not the immediate impact on the scoreboard that will be expected from them as the season progresses, but for a first impression, it was fine.

The New York Times - Sports

They left TD Garden calling their debut as positive a first impression imaginable for a group attempting to pull off a difficult feat – building trust on the fly while holding onto a playoff spot in the regular season's stretch run.

Los Angeles Times

This is very important as it makes a first impression.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a first impression", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are describing an initial assessment or perception, and not a final judgment.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "first impression" as a definitive or complete evaluation. Clearly differentiate between initial perceptions and informed opinions developed over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a first impression" functions as an introductory prepositional phrase, modifying a clause by providing context about the timing or basis of an observation. It indicates that what follows is based on an initial perception. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used to introduce initial thoughts or feelings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a first impression" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce an initial assessment or perception. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, academia, and general writing. While it's important to differentiate first impressions from more developed opinions, using this phrase effectively sets the stage for conveying subjective observations. Alternatives like "initially" or "at first glance" can be used for similar meanings, although they may not capture the nuance of a developing judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially

This adverb directly indicates something's initial state or occurrence, simplifying the expression.

at first glance

This idiom suggests a quick, initial assessment based on visual information.

upon initial observation

More formal, it refers to the act of observing something for the first time.

at the outset

Focuses on the beginning or commencement of something, implying initial conditions.

to begin with

Implies a starting point in a sequence or process.

in the beginning

States the initial phase or stage of something.

from the start

Emphasizes the perspective from the very beginning of an event or situation.

on first encounter

Highlights the experience of meeting or experiencing something for the first time.

in the initial stage

Refers specifically to the earliest phase of a development or project.

at the preliminary stage

Denotes the very early, preparatory phase of a process.

FAQs

How can I use "as a first impression" in a sentence?

You can use "as a first impression" to describe an initial feeling or assessment. For example, "As a first impression, the new software seemed user-friendly."

What are some alternatives to "as a first impression"?

Alternatives include "initially", "at first glance", or "upon initial observation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "first impression" or "as a first impression"?

Both are correct, but "as a first impression" is often used to introduce a specific observation or judgment, whereas "first impression" can refer to the general concept of initial perceptions.

How can I make a good first impression?

To make a good first impression, consider your appearance, body language, and communication skills. Be confident, make eye contact, and engage actively in the conversation.