first caught sight of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first caught sight of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the moment someone sees something or someone for the first time. Example: "When I first caught sight of the majestic mountains, I was in awe of their beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Investigators first caught sight of Mr. Swartz on camera the day it was installed.

The New York Times - Tech

Astrophysicists first caught sight of an unusual-looking supernova in January 2011.

The New York Times - Science

She was parking her van at the event, when Mr. Brown first caught sight of her.

The New York Times

When I first caught sight of Chilton, I had a minor shock.

The Guardian - Music

Godard first caught sight of her advertising soap, apparently naked in a bath.

The Guardian - Film

When I first caught sight of him his likeness to Rob Earnshaw really hit me.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

When Russell first catches sight of Candace, there is an immediate attraction: "the massive spray of fight-or-flight hormones cascading through his limbs proves it".

The New Yorker

From a couple of miles away, we first catch sight of the crater, spewing fire into the darkening sky, and we stop to take photos.

The Guardian - Travel

Let us now turn to Axl and Beatrice, an elderly couple of Britons, whom we first catch sight of waking up in their subterranean hovel.

The Guardian - Books

When Viktoria Brilyova's Princess of Great Beauty first catches sight of Ivan Tsarevich, the mix of fear, curiosity, desire and hauteur that pass across her face have us instantly rooting for the couple's happiness.

The Guardian

She first catches sight of him as she lounges on the porch, waiting for Flo to finish sewing a dress for her to wear on a date with her beau, Alan Seymour Ben Rappaportt).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first caught sight of" to create a vivid image of an initial encounter. It's particularly effective in narrative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "first caught sight of" when describing non-visual experiences. For instance, don't say "I first caught sight of the problem" if you mean you first became aware of it through discussion. Use "became aware of" or "realized" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first caught sight of" functions as a verb phrase that describes the initial act of seeing or noticing someone or something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It adds a sense of discovery and often implies a visual encounter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first caught sight of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that vividly depicts an initial visual encounter. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and versatile. While "first caught sight of" is suitable for various contexts, it's most frequently used in news and media, followed by scientific and formal settings. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "initially noticed" or "first observed", but remember to reserve "first caught sight of" for visual experiences to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initially noticed

Replaces "caught sight of" with a more straightforward verb.

First glimpsed

Suggests a brief or fleeting view.

First viewed

Simple and direct, focusing on the act of seeing.

First observed

Uses a more formal and scientific verb.

First spotted

More casual and colloquial.

Initially detected

Implies discovery through a specific sense or tool.

Initially perceived

Emphasizes the mental process of becoming aware.

First laid eyes on

More figurative and dramatic.

First encountered

Focuses on coming into contact or experience.

First became aware of

Focuses on the awareness rather than the visual aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "first caught sight of" in a sentence?

You can use "first caught sight of" to describe the initial moment of seeing something or someone. For example, "She first caught sight of the Eiffel Tower in the distance."

What can I say instead of "first caught sight of"?

You can use alternatives like "initially noticed", "first observed", or "first spotted" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "first catch sight of" instead of "first caught sight of"?

Both "first catch sight of" and "first caught sight of" are grammatically correct. The former is often used when describing a habitual action or a potential event, while the latter describes a specific past event.

What's the difference between "first caught sight of" and "first encountered"?

"First caught sight of" specifically refers to the act of seeing something for the first time, while "first encountered" implies a broader experience of coming into contact with something, not necessarily visual.