for a first glance

USAGE SUMMARY

'for a first glance' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a brief initial look or observation at something. For example, "I had to take just a quick for a first glance at the menu before deciding what to order".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yet as I watched the coverage of this new pope, touched by the sight of the crowds waiting for a first glance, I noted few interviews there or here with African-American Catholics whose rich history is woven through the growth of the church since its beginnings.

The Washington Post

The researcher can now select which information shall be included in the output (or stick to the default settings suitable for a first glance).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But even for blockchain, a first glance at the requirements of the law and the way blockchain work suggests that the two should have nothing to do with each other.

Forbes

In terms of job mobility (i.e., the rates of quitting a job for other opportunities), a first glance suggests that the coefficient effects for wage counter the coefficient effects of other variables and that female workers have essentially the same probability of quitting as males.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

It is in fact the ultimate boy's toy, and, as one would imagine in a place that is the undisputed Mecca for physics and engineering, a first glance around the halls and corridors of CERN does seem to indicate a prolific number of men.

BBC

At a first glance, the lineup for ASOT 650 may have been confusing.

Vice

Still, we held on to a shred of hope for a second glance.

Vice

At a first glance, the criteria suggested for internal validity ought to concentrate on procedural aspects of a foresight activity.

European Journal of Futures Research

He looked away for a second, glanced around the control room, and then pointed one end of his sandwich at me. "What you should do is follow your wife," he said.

Vice

Its lifeblood, a sawmill, closed in 2001, wiping out jobs, paychecks and just about any reason an outsider might have had for giving Loyalton a second glance.

The New York Times

"This is very, very laborious," he says, but he still manages to identify caterpillars ready for release with barely a second glance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a first glance" when you want to indicate a preliminary assessment that might need further investigation or a more in-depth look.

Common error

Avoid using "for a first glance" when you are describing a detailed or comprehensive analysis. This phrase is best suited for initial, quick assessments, not in-depth investigations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a first glance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the perspective from which an initial assessment is made. It sets the stage for a preliminary understanding of something, often implying that further investigation is needed. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for a first glance" is used to describe a preliminary assessment or observation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. However, it's less common than the alternative "at first glance". It's predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a quick, initial look, and not a comprehensive analysis. For alternative expressions, consider using "at first sight" or "initially" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first sight

Replaces 'glance' with 'sight', emphasizing the visual aspect of the initial impression.

at first blush

Replaces 'glance' with 'blush', implying a superficial initial assessment.

on initial inspection

Uses 'inspection' to highlight a more formal or detailed first look.

initially

A concise adverb indicating the beginning of a process or observation.

upon a brief examination

Emphasizes the brevity and exploratory nature of the first look.

at the start

Indicates the commencement of observation or analysis.

at the beginning

States an action performed at the point of origin.

at the outset

Focuses on the very beginning of an observation or analysis.

from a cursory look

Highlights that the 'glance' is not in detail.

from the get-go

Informal way of saying 'from the beginning'.

FAQs

What does "for a first glance" mean?

The phrase "for a first glance" indicates an initial, quick assessment or observation of something, suggesting a preliminary understanding that may require further examination.

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

You might say, "For a first glance, the data seems promising, but we need to analyze it more thoroughly." Alternatively, you can use a similar expression such as "at first sight".

What are some alternatives to "for a first glance"?

Some alternatives include "initially", "at first sight", or "on initial inspection". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "at first glance" or "for a first glance" more common?

"At first glance" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "For a first glance" is grammatically correct but less frequently used. Consider using "at first glance" for better clarity and acceptance.