at the first sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the first sight" is not correct in standard written English; the correct expression is "at first sight." You can use it when describing an initial impression or reaction to something before further consideration or examination.
Example: "At first sight, the painting seemed simple, but upon closer inspection, it revealed intricate details."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the first sight of the old walls the rain.

The New Yorker

At the first sight of the commotion outside the Sports Vue, everyone's energy level picked up.

The New York Times - Magazine

"My mom ran away from the room at the first sight of him.

The New York Times

At the first sight of concerted Australian aggression they have crumbled.

Independent

Practically every broker in Wall Street will show red at the first sight of an uptick.

The New York Times

"I can do that with a roller," she said, at the first sight of white.

The New York Times

Mind you, at the first sight of a didgeridoo I'll arrest the buggers myself.

The Guardian - Music

They were introduced by an instructor, but it was not exactly love at the first sight.

The New York Times

At the first sight of the flyover, the guessing would begin.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is sung by Howard Carter, foreshadowing his famous utterance at the first sight of Tutankhamun's treasure-filled tomb.

The New York Times

At the first sight that it is not, policymakers will need to beef it up very quickly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct form, "at first sight", in your writing to maintain grammatical accuracy and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "at the first sight". The correct and accepted idiom is "at first sight". Using the incorrect form can detract from your message and make your writing seem less polished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the first sight" is used as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an initial observation or reaction. Although commonly found, Ludwig AI indicates that the standard expression is "at first sight."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the first sight" is frequently encountered, but it's important to note that the correct idiomatic expression is "at first sight". As Ludwig AI points out, the inclusion of 'the' is considered grammatically incorrect. While this phrase is used across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia, writers should strive for accuracy and adopt the standard form, especially in professional and formal communication. Remember that while the expression is common, using the grammatically correct version enhances clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

Replaces "sight" with "glance", focusing on a quick look.

at first view

Substitutes "sight" with "view", emphasizing the act of seeing.

on initial inspection

Emphasizes the beginning of an examination or assessment.

upon first observation

Highlights the act of noticing or perceiving something initially.

on first encounter

Focuses on the first time experiencing or meeting something.

at the outset

Shifts the focus to the very beginning of something, not necessarily visual.

at the first instance

Emphasizes the immediacy of the initial reaction.

at the first moment

Stresses the very first point in time something is perceived.

initially

A simpler adverb form expressing the same idea of beginning.

at the beginning

A straightforward way to indicate the start of something.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "at the first sight"?

The correct idiom is "at first sight". The inclusion of 'the' is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What does "at first sight" mean?

It means immediately or as soon as you see someone or something for the first time.

Which is more formal, "at first sight" or "at first glance"?

Both phrases are generally considered interchangeable and neither carries a significantly more formal tone than the other. Choose the one that best fits the rhythm and flow of your sentence.

Can I use "at first sight" to describe feelings?

Yes, "at first sight" can describe an immediate emotional reaction or impression, such as "love at first sight".