at first glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at first glimpse" is not correct; the correct expression is "at first glance." You can use it when referring to an initial impression or observation of something before a deeper analysis.
Example: "At first glance, the painting seemed simple, but upon closer inspection, it revealed intricate details."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Her persona is evident at first glimpse.

The New York Times

At first glimpse, Hualamphong station in Bangkok could be one of Europe's great railway cathedrals.

Independent

But it is the other newsreels from New Hampshire that at first glimpse seem to jar.

Independent

At first glimpse, the driver suggests a swarthy, glowering, crypto-terrorist.

The New York Times

Perceiving a situation seems, at first glimpse, like a remarkably simple operation.

The New York Times

At first glimpse, the flowers look a little dangerous and foreboding.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

She was stunned, though, at first glimpsing Hitler's signature, and had a similar reaction to a giant organizational chart illustrating the power structure of the Nazi regime.

Harvard University

At first glimpsed sitting at the edge of the bed bent over with her hair hiding her face, tuft-like, Arianda plays the labile May as if she's a tornado gathering force.

Huffington Post

The first glimpse at the 3D architecture of active, full-length telomerase has come from two structural determinations: one of the human telomerase [ 15 ] and the other Tetrtahymena thermophila telomerase [ 16 ].

Current Opinion in Structural Biology

Instead it's already grinding at the clutch, edging forward annoyingly and preparing to tear away at the first glimpse of amber.

The Guardian - Sport

Your nerves start to go at the first glimpse of a raptor, so slight that it's barely there at all — a quicksilver line, flickering like an eel at the back of the scene, far beyond focal range.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the correct idiom, which is "at first glance". It's widely recognized and grammatically sound.

Common error

Avoid using "glimpse" in this context. "Glimpse" refers to a brief or fleeting view, while "glance" is the correct noun to use when talking about an initial impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first glimpse" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used adverbially to modify a verb or clause, indicating the timing or perspective of an initial impression. Despite its presence in various sources, it's considered grammatically incorrect, the correct form being "at first glance." Ludwig AI confirms this grammatical error.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at first glimpse" is often used to describe an initial impression; however, it's grammatically incorrect and should be "at first glance." Ludwig AI highlights this distinction. While "at first glimpse" appears in various sources, including news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, the proper idiom is "at first glance". Using the correct phrase ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy in your writing. Remember to prioritize correctness over common but incorrect usage to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

Uses a different noun to convey the initial visual assessment.

on first inspection

Emphasizes a more formal or detailed initial examination.

initially

A simple adverb indicating something's state at the beginning.

at first sight

Focuses on the immediate visual impact or impression.

at the outset

Highlights the very beginning or commencement of something.

to begin with

Indicates the starting point or initial stage of consideration.

in the beginning

Refers to the initial phase or early stages of an event or process.

at the start

Highlights the commencement or inception of something.

upon initial observation

Formal alternative focusing on what is noticed right away.

from the initial perspective

Emphasizes the viewpoint at the start.

FAQs

What is the correct expression: "at first glimpse" or "at first glance"?

The correct and widely accepted expression is "at first glance". "At first glimpse" is considered grammatically incorrect.

What does "at first glance" mean?

"At first glance" means upon initial observation or from a quick, initial look. It refers to the first impression of something.

Can I use "at first glimpse" in my writing?

While some sources may use "at first glimpse", it's generally recommended to use the correct idiom, "at first glance", to maintain grammatical accuracy.

What are some alternatives to "at first glance"?

Alternatives to "at first glance" include "initially", "on first inspection", or "at first sight".