at first glance

USAGE SUMMARY

"at first glance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when you first observe something, or look at it or meet it. For example: "At first glance, the painting looked abstract, but upon closer inspection, I could see a subtle landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At first glance, the….

The New Yorker

At first glance, they're….

The New Yorker

At first glance, perhaps not.

The Economist

Not, perhaps, at first glance.

Independent

At first glance, that's odd.

Independent

The footbridge is, at first glance, unremarkable.

The New York Times

The results, at first glance, were provocative.

The New York Times

At first glance, the idea seems great.

The New York Times

At first glance, JPMorgan looks unfairly penalized.

The New York Times

At first glance, unguessable.

The Guardian - Tech

At first glance it makes little sense.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at first glance" to introduce an initial impression or assessment that may change upon closer examination. It sets the stage for a deeper analysis or revised understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "at first glance" repeatedly without providing a subsequent, more detailed analysis. Ensure you follow up with a contrasting or supporting perspective to justify the initial observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first glance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing and nature of an initial observation or impression. It introduces a perspective based on a quick, superficial assessment. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at first glance" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce initial impressions or assessments. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse writing contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, this phrase signals a preliminary observation that may be subject to change upon closer inspection. To enhance writing, remember to follow up with a deeper analysis or contrasting perspective. Avoid overuse and be mindful of context to ensure effective communication. Consider related phrases like "initially" or "on the surface" for variety. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "at first glance" to enrich their narratives and analyses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on initial inspection

Replaces "glance" with "inspection", focusing on the act of examining something closely at the beginning.

from a cursory look

Emphasizes the brief and superficial nature of the initial observation.

at first blush

An idiomatic alternative suggesting an initial, often superficial, impression.

on the face of it

Highlights how something appears based on initial evidence, without deeper investigation.

superficially speaking

Directly indicates that the statement is based on a surface-level assessment.

at face value

Suggests accepting something as it appears initially, without questioning its validity.

from the initial perspective

Focuses on the viewpoint at the beginning of observation or analysis.

in the beginning

Highlights the temporal aspect, referring to what is evident at the start.

initially

A shorter, adverbial form expressing the same idea of a first impression.

prima facie

A Latin term indicating something is accepted as correct until proven otherwise, based on initial appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "at first glance" to describe an initial impression or observation. For example, "At first glance, the problem seemed simple, but it was actually quite complex."

What are some alternatives to "at first glance"?

Alternatives include "initially", "on the surface", or "from a cursory look", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "at first glance" in formal writing?

Yes, "at first glance" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "on initial inspection".

What does "at first glance" imply about the information presented?

"At first glance" suggests that the information being presented is a preliminary assessment and may not be the complete or final understanding. It invites further investigation or analysis.