at first blush

USAGE SUMMARY

'at first blush' is correct and usable in written English.
It means to initially, or at first thought or impression, and can refer to both physical appearances and abstract concepts. For example, "At first blush, the plan seemed like a good idea, but further analysis revealed some flaws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AT FIRST blush it is magnificent.

The Economist

AT FIRST blush, it is just what the doctor ordered.

The Economist

AT first blush, Beardsley School seems burdened by problems.

The New York Times

This seems plausible at first blush.

The New York Times

They are, at first blush, improbable partners.

The New York Times

This provision seems reasonable at first blush.

Columbia University

At first blush, this may seem surprising.

Princeton University

At first blush, the distinction looks simple.

The Washington Post

This all seems good at first blush.

Harvard Business Review

At first blush, it might seem quaint.

The Washington Post

At first blush, that seems incredible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at first blush" to introduce an initial impression that you will later qualify or contradict with further information. It sets up an expectation of a deeper analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "at second blush" when you mean "on further consideration". "At first blush" describes the initial impression, while subsequent analyses require different phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first blush" functions as an adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to qualify a statement, indicating that it represents an initial impression that may not hold up under further scrutiny. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in introducing provisional assessments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at first blush" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey an initial impression or assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, academia, and formal business settings, indicating a generally neutral register. When using "at first blush", remember that it sets the stage for a more detailed analysis to follow. Related phrases like ""at first glance"" or ""on the face of it"" offer similar meanings, but with slight differences in nuance and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

This is a direct synonym, focusing on a quick, visual assessment.

at first sight

Similar to "at first glance", focusing on the initial visual impression.

on the face of it

This suggests something appears a certain way but might not be accurate upon closer inspection.

ostensibly

This implies a stated or presented reason, which may conceal the real one.

to all appearances

Suggests something appears a certain way based on available evidence.

on initial inspection

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes a closer examination than the original.

apparently

Similar to 'seemingly', but can also imply evidence suggests something is true.

seemingly

A simpler, one-word alternative conveying apparent reality.

from the look of things

This is more informal, suggesting a conclusion based on observation.

initially

A basic adverb indicating something occurred or appeared at the beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "at first blush" in a sentence?

"At first blush" is typically used to introduce an initial impression that might change upon further examination. For example, "At first blush, the proposal seemed promising, but a closer look revealed several potential problems."

What's a synonym for "at first blush"?

Alternatives to "at first blush" include "at first glance", "on the face of it", or "seemingly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "at first blush" formal or informal?

"At first blush" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase suitable for both writing and speaking, although it might sound a bit old-fashioned to some.

What is the difference between "at first blush" and "at first sight"?

"At first blush" usually refers to an initial impression based on a brief consideration or examination, while "at first sight" typically refers to an immediate visual impression or attraction.