on a first thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a first thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express an initial idea or thought, and can be used at the beginning of a sentence or phrase. For example: On a first thought, I figured I could solve this problem on my own.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The analytical stress-level work showed that contrary to what, on a first thought basis, might be expected, there were no major stress problems.

Progress in Aerospace Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I want to go back for a second thought on this issue of income inequality.

The Washington Post

Google substituted "send and archive" — which many people use habitually and click on without a second thought — for 'MicDrop,' making it a recipe for disaster for many.

TechCrunch

A first thought on something is almost always the best and never to be turned on.

WikiHow

People who make errors and move on without a second thought aren't the ones, in my experience, to count on over the long haul.

Harvard Business Review

In those games, rank and file enemies are totally anonymous; you dispatch them and you move on without a second thought.

The Guardian - Tech

Most members slipped them on without a second thought.

Huffington Post

Very little seems to be the consensus, as upcoming artists and established stars allow their tunes to appear on soundtracks without a second thought.

Independent

Plus, they'll keep on "stealing" without a second thought.

TechCrunch

I walked out on Myspace without a second thought.

Huffington Post

She pushed send on the tweet without a second thought, and headed into the morgue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a first thought" to introduce an initial idea or consideration that may change upon further reflection. This sets the stage for a more nuanced or revised perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "on a first thought" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a first thought" functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for an initial idea or impression. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a first thought" serves as an introductory element, presenting an initial idea that may evolve. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and can be used in written English. While its frequency is considered rare, it finds application across varied contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge sources. When using this phrase, bear in mind that it signals a preliminary thought, open to revision upon further consideration. To prevent overuse, explore alternatives like "initially" or "at first glance" to introduce your ideas with similar intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initially

Focuses on the starting point of consideration, omitting the explicit mention of thought.

At first glance

Emphasizes the immediate visual impression rather than a deeper consideration.

Upon initial consideration

More formal and emphasizes the act of considering something at the beginning.

In my initial opinion

Highlights personal judgment at the onset.

As a first impression

Highlights the sense of creating the very first image of a person or situation.

From the outset

Focuses on the starting point of a process or situation.

To begin with

Indicates the starting point of an explanation or argument.

At the beginning

Simply refers to the start of something, without specifying thought or impression.

On the face of it

Suggests a superficial assessment based on available evidence.

Offhand

Means without prior thought or preparation, more casual.

FAQs

How can I use "on a first thought" in a sentence?

You can use "on a first thought" to introduce an initial idea or consideration. For example: "On a first thought, I figured I could solve this problem on my own."

What is an alternative to "on a first thought"?

Alternatives include "initially", "at first glance", or "upon initial consideration" depending on the context.

Is "on a first thought" the same as "at first thought"?

While similar, "on a first thought" implies a more immediate, less considered initial reaction than "at first thought", which suggests a slightly deeper initial assessment.

Is it better to use "on a first thought" or "on second thought"?

Use "on a first thought" to introduce an initial idea and "on second thought" to indicate a change or reconsideration of that idea. They serve different purposes in conveying your thought process.