at first read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at first read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an initial impression or understanding of something upon first reading it. Example: "At first read, the article seemed to support the argument, but further analysis revealed some flaws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Find the best professors on campus and take their classes, even if they don't seem interesting at first read.

The New York Times

At first read, it seems to me that the contents can be split pretty cleanly in two: half is genuinely good, if slightly obvious advice.

The Guardian

A lot of inconvenient people are got rid of in these stories, one way or another, and they are more disquieting than they seem at first read.

The Guardian - Books

At first read, the control the gods exert over characters' destinies makes it feel like there's next to nothing at stake.

The Guardian - Books

Can we say love at first read?

Huffington Post

What I found, at first read, was hundreds of witty or just plain funny tweets.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

At first, reading the F.B.I. report is to be swept up in the conclusion that the perpetrator of the deadly anthrax attacks was indeed Mr. Ivins.

The New York Times

With Your Wings at first reads like a standard narrative of a veteran's return, a plot used by everyone from Homer to Ernest Hemingway.

The Guardian - Books

At first, reading through each statement made me feel uneasy, as if I were eavesdropping on a conversation through a door that was mistakenly left cracked open.

The New Yorker

He produces a description which at first reads like a lyrical evocation of a beautiful landscape with caverns and light, and many subtle changes.

The Guardian - Books

At first, reads are aligned to each contig.

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at first read" to introduce a preliminary interpretation, especially when you intend to contrast it with a later, more informed understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "at first read" when you actually mean "at first glance". The former is specific to reading material, while the latter refers to a visual impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first read" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the timing or perspective of an initial reading. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at first read" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an initial impression or understanding after reading something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, make sure it aligns with the context, differentiating it from similar phrases that focus on a visual impression, as it indicates a more nuanced initial impression based on a reading process. Consider alternative phrases like "initially" or "on initial reading" depending on the desired formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On initial reading

This is a slightly more formal variation with similar meaning.

At first glance

This phrase suggests an initial visual assessment rather than reading.

On the surface

This suggests a preliminary understanding without deep analysis.

Initially

This is a more concise adverb indicating something that occurred at the beginning.

Upon first inspection

Similar to 'at first glance', but can apply to more than visual assessments.

Superficially

This implies a shallow or incomplete understanding at the beginning.

At the outset

A more formal way of saying "at the start"

In the beginning

Focuses more on the temporal aspect of the start of the reading process.

To begin with

Highlights the start of a process or consideration.

Primarily

Indicates what is first or foremost in importance or sequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "at first read" to describe your initial understanding of a text. For example, "At first read, the novel seemed straightforward, but further analysis revealed hidden complexities."

What's a good alternative to "at first read"?

Depending on the context, you could use "initially", "at first glance", or "on initial reading".

Is "at first read" formal or informal?

"At first read" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, more formal alternatives like "on initial reading" might be preferred in academic or professional contexts.

Can I use "at first read" when talking about something other than text?

While "at first read" specifically refers to reading, you can use similar phrases like "at first glance" or "initially" when describing your first impression of something that isn't a text.