first glimpse

USAGE SUMMARY

"first glimpse" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to an initial or introductory look of something. For example: "The first glimpse of the breathtaking mountain range took my breath away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her persona is evident at first glimpse.

The New York Times

For most it was their first glimpse.

The Guardian - Sport

The first glimpse of death and nothingness.

The New York Times - Books

P23 First glimpse at Red Dwarf cast.

The Guardian

And what did Mr. Cott think on that first glimpse?

The New York Times

Alcott called it her "first glimpse of a great grief".

The New Yorker

But the first glimpse of "Super Fun Night" is disappointing.

The New York Times - Arts

At Sète we got our first glimpse of the Mediterranean.

The Guardian - Travel

They did, and he got his first glimpse.

The New York Times - Style

The narrator's first glimpse of Angola, of "black men . . .

The New Yorker

My first glimpse of it was out the helicopter window.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first glimpse" to vividly describe the initial moment of seeing or understanding something, particularly when aiming to create a sense of discovery or anticipation for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "first glimpse" multiple times within close proximity in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "initial viewing" or "brief look" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first glimpse" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies the initial visual encounter or impression of something. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first glimpse" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys an initial visual impression. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, especially in news, sports, and travel writing. While versatile, avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "initial viewing" or "brief look" to maintain writing freshness. Remember, using "first glimpse" strategically can powerfully set the stage for engaging storytelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introductory look

Emphasizes the start of a longer observation or investigation.

initial viewing

Emphasizes the act of seeing something for the first time.

first impression

Focuses on the initial feeling or understanding gained.

preliminary view

Highlights the early and potentially incomplete nature of the observation.

brief look

Stresses the short duration of the initial observation.

sneak preview

Implies a look at something before it is officially released or available.

original view

Focuses on an unprecedented view of the subject.

early peek

Suggests a quick and often secretive look.

early sighting

Emphasizes the act of spotting or noticing something for the first time.

maiden view

Implies novelty as first ever view.

FAQs

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

You can use "first glimpse" to describe an initial view or impression of something. For example, "The "first glimpse" of the city skyline was breathtaking."

What can I say instead of "first glimpse"?

You can use alternatives like "initial viewing", "first impression", or "introductory look" depending on the context.

Is "first glimpse" formal or informal language?

"First glimpse" is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is often found in descriptive or narrative writing.

What is the difference between "first glimpse" and "first time"?

"First glimpse" refers specifically to the initial visual impression, while "first time" refers to the first instance of any experience or action, not necessarily visual.