first sight

USAGE SUMMARY

'first sight' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the very first time one sees something or someone. For example: "When I saw him for the first time, I was struck by his beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Badly, at first sight.

The Economist

Love at first sight".

The New York Times

First sight, however, is wrong.

The Economist

At first sight, not easily.

The Economist

Badly, by first sight.

The Guardian - Opinion

At first sight, no.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It was like love at first sight".

The New York Times

It was kindred spirit at first sight".

The New York Times

At first sight this fragmentation is odd.

The Economist

At first sight this seems crazy.

The Economist

"Love at first sight," Pugh said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first sight" to convey immediate reactions or initial impressions. Its strong visual connotation makes it suitable for describing initial encounters or instantaneous judgments.

Common error

Avoid using "first sight" to suggest a complete or final assessment. It represents an initial impression, which might evolve with further information or experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first sight" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used adjectivally or adverbially to modify verbs or nouns. It describes an initial visual experience, such as in the idiom "love at "first sight"". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first sight" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an initial visual impression. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's employed across various contexts, notably in news and media, to convey immediacy and spontaneous reactions. While its usage is primarily neutral, it's less frequent in highly formal or scientific settings. Common usages include the popular idiom "love at "love at first sight"" and general descriptions of initial observations. Remember to use "first sight" to represent immediate reactions and initial judgments, not a complete assessment after thorough examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first glance

Similar to "first sight", but emphasizes a quick, initial look.

initial view

Focuses on the visual aspect but is more neutral and less emotionally charged.

immediate impression

Highlights the feeling or opinion formed right away, rather than the visual aspect.

at first blush

Suggests an initial, superficial assessment, often implying a later change in opinion.

initial observation

Focuses on the act of observing something for the first time, emphasizing the observer's role.

on first inspection

Implies a more thorough examination than a simple "sight".

first encounter

Broadens the scope to any kind of meeting or experience, not just visual.

original perception

Highlights the cognitive process of interpreting something initially.

at the outset

Indicates the beginning or start of something, losing the visual nuance.

from the beginning

Emphasizes the start of something, omitting any visual element.

FAQs

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

You can use "first sight" to describe an initial visual impression, such as "It was love at "first sight"" or "At "first sight", the task seemed impossible".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "at first sight"?

Alternatives include "initially", "at first glance", or "on initial inspection", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For instance, you can say "Initially, it seemed plausible" instead of "At "first sight", it seemed plausible".

Is "first sight" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "first sight" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in descriptive or narrative writing than in highly technical or academic prose.

What does the idiom "love at first sight" mean?

The idiom "love at "first sight"" refers to falling in love immediately upon seeing someone for the first time. It implies an instant and powerful connection.