at first view

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at first view" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an initial impression or observation about something before further analysis or consideration. Example: "At first view, the painting seemed chaotic, but upon closer inspection, its beauty became apparent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

At first view, the camp looked as I'd expected.

The New Yorker

Andrew appears at first view to be the play's most generous and sensitive character.

The New York Times

Ethan, the music director, boogies around on the piano as Morris and the dancers trade mild insults, so that at first view, this internationally celebrated company seem disconcertingly like a bunch of amiable amateurs.

The Guardian

By Theodore Spencer The New Yorker, December 2 , 1939P. 78 The day was a year at first View Article By Rivka Galchen By Larissa MacFarquhar By Ceridwen Dovey By Masha Gessen.

The New Yorker

By Theodore Spencer The New Yorker, December 2 , 1939P. 78 The day was a year at first View Article By Miranda Carter By Amos Barshad By John Cassidy By Emily Nussbaum.

The New Yorker

That the EU emerged above all as a reaction to two world wars is only tacitly acknowledged in a sideways reference to the determination of Europeans to "transcend their ancient divisions".A British diplomat struggling to summarise the significance of the preamble writes that it is "pompous and pretentious, but at first view not actively dangerous".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

At first viewing, however, they don't add up to a compelling structure.

The New York Times - Arts

A growing number of economists now think so, having at first viewed sterling's rise as a temporary blip.

The Economist

It's an emotional end, adding unexpected heartbreak to a film that may have seemed almost baffling at first viewing.

The Guardian - Film

This implies that the computer is at first viewed with awe, a machine of unimaginable power and potential.

The Guardian - Books

He's then incarcerated under the direction of kindly psychiatrist Dr Rosen Christopher Plummerr), who is at first viewed as a hostile figure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at first view" when you want to present an initial, preliminary assessment that might change upon further investigation. For example: "At first view, the data suggested a positive trend, but further analysis revealed significant anomalies."

Common error

Avoid presenting your "at first view" as a final judgement. This phrase is intended to introduce an initial impression, not a definitive conclusion. Ensure you provide further analysis or context to support or refute your initial assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first view" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or basis of an initial assessment or impression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at first view" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to introduce a preliminary observation or assessment. Ludwig AI confirms that it's commonly employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, indicating its versatility and neutrality. While alternatives like "at first glance" and "initially" exist, "at first view" offers a slightly more formal tone. Remember to use it to present initial impressions, not final conclusions, and always be prepared to refine your judgment based on further analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

Replaces "view" with "glance", suggesting a quick, initial look.

initially

A single-word adverb that conveys the same meaning of "at the beginning".

upon initial observation

More formal and emphasizes the act of observing something for the first time.

on first inspection

Similar to "upon initial observation" but using the word "inspection".

on the face of it

Suggests something appears a certain way based on initial information.

at first blush

Similar to "at first glance" but slightly more archaic.

from the outset

Focuses on the beginning of a situation or process.

to begin with

Indicates the starting point of a consideration or action.

in the beginning

A more general phrase referring to the start.

at the start

Similar to "in the beginning" but slightly more specific.

FAQs

What does "at first view" mean?

The phrase "at first view" means based on an initial or superficial look at something. It suggests a preliminary assessment before deeper investigation.

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

You can use "at first view" to introduce an initial impression or observation. For example, "At first view, the problem seemed insurmountable, but we found a solution."

What is a synonym for "at first view"?

Synonyms for "at first view" include "at first glance", "initially", and "on the face of it".

Is there a difference between "at first view" and "at first sight"?

While similar, "at first view" often implies a more considered, though still preliminary, judgment. "At first sight", on the other hand, suggests an immediate, instinctive impression.