at first looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at first looking" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a misphrasing of "at first glance," which is commonly used to describe an initial impression or observation. Example: "At first glance, the painting appeared to be a simple landscape, but upon closer inspection, it revealed intricate details."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Ms. Feeney remained silent at first, looking at the verdict form in her hands, finally answering, "Guilty".

The New York Times

Though its acronym is DIM, the division's brighter staff members are at first looking into fraud in hedge-fund operations.

The New York Times

Lance Corporal Anderson stayed for more than a month to help clear the site, at first looking for survivors and later for bodies.

The New York Times

And at first, looking back, I didn't have any.

University of Chicago

Rosenborg started laying plans for further construction, at first looking at construction of a new grandstand on the east end.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr Hollande at first looked set to continue this disengagement.

The Economist

Some 150 renegade Philippine soldiers staged a protest that at first looked like a coup attempt.

Princeton University

Yet, what at first looked like a blowout victory turned instead into a seeming political embarrassment.

The New York Times

I wondered at first look, "Is it a bootie?

The New York Times

At first look, that task must have seemed hopeless.

The New York Times

Yet, sympathetic as these ideas seem at first look, they become dubious at a longer one.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "at first looking" with established phrases like "at first glance" or "upon first inspection" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "looking" after "at first" when referring to an initial impression. Instead, use the noun form "look" (as in "at first look") or the more common idiom "at first glance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first looking" functions as an adverbial modifier, attempting to describe the manner in which something is initially perceived. However, Ludwig AI indicates this phrasing is not grammatically correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at first looking" is used, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI advises against it. More acceptable alternatives, such as "at first glance" or "upon first look", effectively convey the intended meaning of an initial impression. The phrase appears across various contexts, including news, academia, and wikis, its usage is infrequent. To ensure clarity and correctness, it's best to favor the established alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

This alternative refers to an initial quick look or impression.

upon first inspection

This suggests a more detailed initial examination.

initially observing

This emphasizes the act of observing something at the beginning.

at the outset of observation

This is a more formal way of saying "at the beginning of watching".

on the initial view

This focuses on what is seen or understood in the first instance.

when first seen

This alternative focuses on the time something is initially observed.

at the beginning of the viewing

This suggests a planned or deliberate act of watching.

from the start of the observation

This suggests a more scientific or detached observation.

at the preliminary assessment

This implies an evaluation or judgment made after the first look.

in the early stages of scrutiny

This suggests a detailed investigation or analysis from the beginning.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "at first looking"?

Consider using the phrases "at first glance" or "upon first look" for a similar meaning with correct grammar.

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

You might say, "At first glance, the problem seemed simple, but it proved to be quite complex."

Is "at first looking" ever correct?

While you might find instances of "at first looking", it's generally considered non-standard English. Opt for established alternatives for clarity and correctness.

What's the difference between "at first look" and "at first glance"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable, both describing an initial impression. "At first glance" is more idiomatic and frequently used.