first glance

USAGE SUMMARY

"first glance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the initial moment of looking at something, either to express surprise or a quick initial impression. Example sentence: At first glance, the restaurant looked busy and inviting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At first glance, the….

The New Yorker

At first glance, they're….

The New Yorker

First glance was wrong.

The New York Times

At least on first glance.

The New York Times

At first glance, perhaps not.

The Economist

Not, perhaps, at first glance.

Independent

At first glance, that's odd.

Independent

At first glance, unguessable.

The Guardian - Tech

The footbridge is, at first glance, unremarkable.

The New York Times

The results, at first glance, were provocative.

The New York Times

First Glance critiques of new cars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first glance" to introduce an initial assessment or impression, often followed by a contrasting or more detailed analysis. For instance, "At first glance, the project seemed simple, but it soon became clear that it was far more complex."

Common error

Avoid using "first glance" as a standalone statement without providing further explanation or contrasting information. It's more effective when used to set up a comparison or reveal a deeper understanding. For example, instead of saying "At first glance, the data looked promising", consider elaborating: "At first glance, the data looked promising, but a closer examination revealed several inconsistencies."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first glance" typically functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It introduces an initial perspective or impression before further analysis or scrutiny. Ludwig's AI confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first glance" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce an initial impression or assessment. Ludwig's AI confirms that it is readily usable in written English across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to use it thoughtfully, often followed by a more detailed analysis to avoid superficiality. Remember that while alternatives like "initial impression" or "at first sight" exist, the best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. Finally, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media outlets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first sight

Similar in meaning, but can also refer to immediate attraction or infatuation.

initial impression

Focuses on the overall feeling or understanding gained at the beginning.

on the face of it

Highlights the apparent or superficial aspect of something.

prima facie

Legal term meaning "based on the first impression", accepted as correct until proved otherwise.

upon initial observation

More formal and emphasizes the act of watching or noticing something.

from a quick look

Suggests a rapid and potentially incomplete assessment.

on cursory inspection

Emphasizes the lack of thoroughness in the examination.

from the outset

Emphasizes the beginning of a process or situation.

at the beginning

A general term referring to the start or commencement of something.

superficially

Highlights a lack of in-depth analysis or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "first glance" in a sentence?

You can use "first glance" to introduce an initial impression or assessment, often followed by a more detailed analysis. For instance, "At "first glance", the proposal seemed reasonable, but a closer look revealed several potential issues."

What can I say instead of "first glance"?

You can use alternatives like "initial impression", "on the face of it", or "at first sight" depending on the context.

Is "at first glance" formal or informal?

"At "first glance"" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives exist, such as "upon initial observation".

What's the difference between "first glance" and "first sight"?

"First glance" refers to an initial assessment or impression, while "first sight" can also refer to immediate attraction or infatuation. For example, you might say "At "first glance", the project seemed overwhelming", but "It was love at first sight".