love at first sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'love at first sight' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that two people have instant feelings of love for each other when they first meet. For example, John knew that he was in love with Mary the moment he saw her for the first time - it was love at first sight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not everything worth loving provokes love at first sight.

Forbes

Love at first sight".

The New York Times

SPAM: Love at first sight.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Love at first sight, Levin style.

The New York Times - Books

IT was love at first sight.

The New York Times - Travel

"It was like love at first sight".

The New York Times

"Love at first sight," Pugh said.

The New York Times - Sports

Was this love at first sight?

The New York Times

"We believe in love at first sight".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I loved that it wasn't love-at-first-sight.

The Guardian

It was raver love-at-first-sight.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "love at first sight" to vividly describe the immediate and intense attraction between two people, but consider if the situation truly warrants such a strong declaration. Not all initial attractions qualify.

Common error

Avoid using "love at first sight" to describe simple infatuation or aesthetic appreciation. Save it for situations where there's a profound sense of connection and destiny, not just physical attraction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "love at first sight" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or predicate nominative. It describes an instantaneous feeling of romantic love upon first meeting someone. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "love at first sight" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an immediate and intense romantic attraction upon meeting someone. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it also appears in academic discussions and personal narratives. When using the expression, ensure it accurately reflects a profound connection rather than simple infatuation. Consider alternative phrases like "instant attraction" or "immediate connection" for more nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

love at first meeting

A more literal phrasing stressing that love sparked during the initial encounter.

instant attraction

Focuses on the immediate feeling of being drawn to someone, without necessarily implying love.

immediate connection

Highlights the feeling of an instant bond, emphasizing compatibility rather than romantic love.

head over heels from the start

Emphasizes the intensity and quickness of falling deeply in love.

struck by Cupid's arrow

A more figurative and dramatic way to describe falling in love instantly.

captivated instantly

Highlights the immediate charm and allure that one person has on another.

destined to be together from the start

Suggests a predetermined or fated connection from the moment of meeting.

an instant spark

Captures the idea of an immediate, energetic connection or chemistry.

a thunderbolt of love

Conveys a sudden, powerful, and overwhelming feeling of love.

kismet

Implies that the instant connection was destined or fated.

FAQs

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

You can use "love at first sight" to describe an immediate romantic connection. For example, "It was "love at first sight" when they met at the party, and they've been together ever since."

What's another way to say "love at first sight"?

Alternatives to "love at first sight" include "instant attraction", "immediate connection", or "an instant spark", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "love at first sight" a realistic concept?

Whether "love at first sight" is realistic is subjective and debated. Some believe in the possibility of immediate connection, while others view it as infatuation or strong initial attraction that may or may not develop into lasting love.

What is the difference between "love at first sight" and infatuation?

"Love at first sight" implies a deep, instant connection, whereas infatuation typically refers to a strong but often superficial attraction based primarily on physical appearance or idealization. Infatuation may fade quickly, while those who believe in "love at first sight" consider it a beginning of lasting love.