at first sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at first sight" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an initial or immediate impression that someone has of something. For example: "At first sight, I was impressed by the beauty of the palace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AT FIRST sight, not much has changed.

The Economist

AT FIRST sight it seems utterly confusing.

The Economist

Love at first sight".

The New York Times

Badly, at first sight.

The Economist

At first sight, not easily.

The Economist

At first sight, no.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At first sight the case seems compelling.

The Economist

Love at first sight, Levin style.

The New York Times - Books

IT was love at first sight.

The New York Times - Travel

At first sight, it seems plausible.

The Economist

Was this love at first sight?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at first sight" to describe initial impressions or reactions, but consider whether a more detailed analysis is needed for a complete understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "at first sight" when you have already conducted a thorough examination. The phrase is best suited for initial, immediate impressions, not conclusions drawn from detailed analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first sight" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an observation or judgment is based on an initial, immediate impression. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at first sight" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe initial impressions or reactions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, and serves to introduce a preliminary assessment before deeper analysis. Remember to consider the potential for misleading initial impressions and avoid using the phrase when a thorough examination has already been conducted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

A very close synonym, emphasizing a quick, initial look.

upon first viewing

Specifically refers to the first time something is seen or observed.

on the face of it

Highlights the superficial appearance of something before deeper analysis.

at the first encounter

Highlights the very first meeting or experience with something.

on initial inspection

Focuses on a more formal and thorough examination at the beginning.

from a cursory observation

Implies a quick and not very detailed look.

superficially

Directly indicates that the assessment is based on the surface only.

initially

Indicates the first stage or phase of a process or observation.

from the outset

Emphasizes the beginning stage but may imply a longer duration than just a visual impression.

at the beginning

A more general term indicating the start or commencement of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "at first sight" to describe an immediate impression. For example, "At first sight, the house looked abandoned, but closer inspection revealed signs of life".

What's a similar phrase to "at first sight"?

Alternatives include "at first glance", "on the face of it", or "superficially". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always accurate to judge something "at first sight"?

No, judging something "at first sight" may not always be accurate, as initial impressions can be misleading. Further investigation is often necessary to form a complete understanding.

Can "at first sight" be used to describe feelings?

Yes, "at first sight" can describe feelings, such as love or dislike. For example, "It was love "at first sight" when they met".