impression at first glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impression at first glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an initial perception or judgment about something upon first seeing it. Example: "My impression at first glance was that the painting was vibrant and full of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This definition of logic makes a strange impression at first glance and was also often misunderstood.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What you may not have seen from watching the presentation is that it still is fairly thick at its thickest point, but that doesn't detract from the overall impression, which makes the machine appear surreal at first glance.

TechCrunch

At first glance the docks give the impression that all activity ended with the Icelandic Cod Wars and the collapse of the fishing industry.

BBC

At first glance, this can give the impression that moral judgments must, in Reid's view, derive their warrant from moral first principles, presumably by being inferred from them.

SEP

"At first glance, this can sometimes give the impression of fissures or infighting within the party, but it is in fact not so," he added.

The New York Times

At first glance, this deviation might give the impression that an unidentified sulfur pool exists that contributes to the shift in δ34S.

Geochemical Transactions

At first glance, the review does indeed give that impression, and so deserves a closer look.

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

By Ludmila Ulitskaya At first glance, they didn't make much of an impression.

The New Yorker

With her high-pitched voice and eerily precise impressions, the intensity of Maria Bamford's comedy isn't always apparent at first glance.

The Guardian

At first glance, a watercolour thought to represent the Eddystone Lighthouse gives the impression of having been made rapidly in front of the subject.

The Guardian - Arts

At first glance, the lanky del Potro looks ungainly on the court, but that impression soon fades.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impression at first glance" when you want to convey an initial assessment that might change with further examination. This phrase is most effective when followed by a contrasting observation or deeper analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "impression at first glance" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. It can become repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "initial perception" or "first take" to keep the text engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impression at first glance" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It describes the circumstances under which an initial assessment or perception is formed. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is valid and appropriate for describing that initial perception.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impression at first glance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an initial perception or judgment. Though less common than alternatives like "first impression", it effectively conveys the idea of a preliminary assessment. Ludwig confirms the validity of the phrase, and its use across diverse sources such as The New York Times and Science publications demonstrate its adaptability. While versatile, ensure the phrase is used judiciously to avoid redundancy and to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial impression

Focuses on the idea of something being the first impression received.

first impression

Shortened version, directly indicating the initial impact.

initial perception

Replaces "impression" with "perception", emphasizing the act of perceiving.

first take

Informal way of expressing initial reaction or view.

superficial assessment

Highlights the lack of depth in the initial judgment.

cursory view

Implies a quick and not very thorough look.

immediate feeling

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the initial impression.

preliminary judgment

Emphasizes that the assessment is subject to change.

on the surface

Indicates what is apparent without deeper investigation.

at face value

Describes accepting something as it appears initially.

FAQs

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

You can use "impression at first glance" to describe an initial feeling or judgment about something. For example: "My "impression at first glance" was that the project was too ambitious, but after reviewing the data, I changed my mind."

What are some alternatives to "impression at first glance"?

Some alternatives include "initial impression", "first impression", or "initial perception". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "impression at first glance" or "first impression"?

"First impression" is more concise and commonly used. "Impression at first glance" adds a bit more emphasis to the initial nature of the assessment but can sometimes sound slightly redundant.

What's the difference between "impression at first glance" and "initial assessment"?

"Impression at first glance" typically refers to a more immediate and perhaps less considered feeling, while "initial assessment" suggests a more structured and analytical evaluation.