at first impression

USAGE SUMMARY

"at first impression" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is normally used to describe the initial feeling you get about something without being aware of all the details. For example, "At first impression, the restaurant seemed very nice and welcoming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

At first impression, the house appears raw and unresolved, but the design is disarmingly direct.

The New York Times

At first impression, a walk through the monumental emptiness of Olympic Boulevard and Australia Avenue seems to indicate a ghostly graveyard for white elephants of the sporting world.

The New York Times

"At first impression, you think here's a young woman with a lot of blonde hair and style," said Mr. Reeves-SMr.h.

The New York Times

Although owners Andrew and Jonathan Schnipper deny that their new place is a fast-food joint — and so far it's the only outlet — at first impression, it sure feels like one.

The New Yorker

Bald, with a goatee and a youthful grin at 47, at first impression, Rick seems more like a red state, all-American suburban dad than a theological progressive, but Rick acknowledges the Bible's contradictions.

The New Yorker

Without commenting on whether the latest draft was more or less restrictive, Mr. Bell said the guidelines "at first impression look to be done very, very well, certainly in terms of their comprehensiveness and ability to address contentious issues".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It is human to imagine that one is a whiz at first impressions.

The New York Times

I thought, 'This guy is great!' I always thought I was very good at first impressions, but I was wrong for once.

The New York Times - Style

At the first impression, the cloud forms or contrasts seen at 283 and 365 nm are very similar; however, some differences in the relative brightness and contrasts are apparent (e.g., pairs a d, k, l).

Earth, Planets and Space

They knew the app was seriously flawed, and they should have known that they probably wouldn't get another chance at a first impression.

TechCrunch

"Being out of the poly bag, it's a second chance at a first impression," Jones continues.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at first impression" to introduce an initial assessment that may change with further information. It's effective for setting up contrasts or revealing deeper complexities.

Common error

Avoid using "at first impression" as a final, unchanging assessment. This phrase implies an initial perception that may evolve as more information becomes available. If you're presenting a final judgment, consider removing the phrase altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first impression" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or basis of an initial assessment. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests an initial feeling or perception before further information is available. The examples on Ludwig illustrate this function across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at first impression" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that introduces an initial perception or judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile across various contexts. It's frequently found in News & Media and Scientific sources. When using the phrase, remember to present an initial assessment that may change. Be careful not to use it as a definitive, unchanging judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

This alternative suggests a quick, visual assessment.

the initial perception

This alternative emphasizes the perceptive aspect.

initially

This alternative is a single-word adverb that describes what happens in the beginning.

on the face of it

This alternative suggests that something appears a certain way, though this may not be the complete picture.

upon initial observation

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of observing.

from the outset

This alternative highlights the starting point of a process or situation.

at the start

Similar to 'in the beginning', but slightly more specific.

in the beginning

This is a more general alternative, simply indicating the start.

to begin with

This is a simple way to state initial thoughts.

superficially

This describes judging something on the surface.

FAQs

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

Use "at first impression" to introduce an initial assessment or feeling about something, often implying that this assessment might change. For example, "At first impression, the task seemed simple, but it proved to be quite challenging."

What are some alternatives to "at first impression"?

You can use alternatives like "initially", "at first glance", or "upon initial observation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to elaborate after stating "at first impression"?

While not always required, it's often effective to elaborate or provide a contrasting viewpoint after stating "at first impression". This adds depth and indicates that your understanding evolved beyond the initial perception. For example, "At first impression, the city seemed chaotic; however, after spending a week there, I discovered its underlying order and charm."

What's the difference between "at first impression" and "in my opinion"?

"At first impression" describes an initial perception before deeper understanding, while "in my opinion" introduces a personal belief or judgment. "At first impression" often leads to a revised view, whereas "in my opinion" presents a steady viewpoint.