Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
on first examination
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "on first examination" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a preliminary observation or evaluation of something. Example: On first examination, the patient appeared to be in good health and showed no signs of illness.
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
at first glance
upon initial assessment
upon initial observation
on preliminary review
in the initial assessment
from a first look
at the outset
initially
on first consideration
on first inspection
on first base
on first glance
on first sight
at first blush
on first thought
on initial consideration
on second consideration
on the face of it
on first identified
upon initial inspection
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
15 human-written examples
"On first examination I probably wrote down cloth," the witness said, adding, "by mistake I probably overwrote it".
News & Media
The other specimens, at first mistaken for Protoarchaeopteryx, were of an even more feathery dinosaur, as Dr. Currie and his assistant, Kevin Aulenback of the Tyrell museum, could see on first examination.
News & Media
Transorbital (Fig. 2c) and transcervical (Fig. 2a) are also useful (although not fully accepted) in some actual patients to determine CCA, in particular when intracranial arterial flows are not detected on first examination, due to inadequate bone insonation windows, for example (observed in at least 25% of the patients) [13].
Science
On first examination of the resulting graph, it would appear that smaller arrays showed higher expression of DXZ4.
Science
CW-ESM appears to be the best method on first examination.
On first examination, however, these mouse studies suggest that exposure to airborne mold toxins may adversely affect people's ability to smell.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
45 human-written examples
To estimate the progression rates of adenoma carcinoma sequence and direct transition to de novo cancer, one needs data on the first examination of colonoscopy because patients detected with adenoma or invasive carcinoma in the first examination were not confounded by treatment.
Science
The CK level was high (1,168 IU/L) on the first examination after injury, but this was considered to be due to trauma.
Science
EGD need not be repeated if no blood is found in the upper GI tract on a first examination performed in good conditions [26].
Science
There were no significant differences on the first examination and the micro-flipped classroom (M = 90.16, SD = 8.20) and traditional lecture-based course (M = 89.8, SD = 7.45), t(48) = .162, p = .872.872
Science
Students typically score 20 percent on their first examination, and increase by five to seven percent with each successive examination.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "on first examination" to clearly indicate that your statement is based on an initial, rather than exhaustive, assessment. This sets appropriate expectations for the reader.
Common error
Be cautious about drawing firm conclusions "on first examination". Acknowledge the preliminary nature of your assessment to avoid misleading readers or prematurely committing to a particular viewpoint.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "on first examination" functions as an introductory prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig, it prefaces an initial assessment or observation, setting the context for subsequent analysis or findings.
Frequent in
Science
70%
News & Media
20%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "on first examination" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce initial observations or assessments. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially within scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, remember to clarify that findings are preliminary. Alternative phrases include "upon initial assessment" and "at first glance", catering to varying levels of formality. This phrase helps set expectations and provides transparency about the depth of an investigation.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
upon initial assessment
This alternative replaces "examination" with "assessment" and uses "upon" instead of "on", maintaining a formal tone.
upon initial observation
This phrase replaces "examination" with "observation", focusing on what is directly seen or noticed.
on preliminary review
This uses "review" instead of "examination", suggesting a more cursory look.
in the initial assessment
This option rephrases the original structure slightly, focusing on the assessment itself.
based on the first inspection
This replaces "examination" with "inspection", implying a visual or thorough check.
at the beginning of the examination
A more verbose alternative, explicitly stating the start of the examination process.
at first glance
This phrase is more informal, implying a quick, initial impression.
from a first look
This is slightly less formal, using "look" as a synonym for examination.
at the outset
This phrase emphasizes the beginning or start of an evaluation.
initially
This adverb provides a concise alternative, focusing on the temporal aspect.
FAQs
How can I use "on first examination" in a sentence?
You can use "on first examination" to introduce initial impressions or findings, such as: "On first examination, the document appeared to be authentic."
What's a more informal way to say "on first examination"?
A more informal alternative to "on first examination" is "at first glance", which suggests a quick, initial impression.
Is "on initial examination" the same as "on first examination"?
Yes, "on initial examination" is very similar in meaning to "on first examination" and can often be used interchangeably.
When is it appropriate to use "on first examination" in writing?
Use "on first examination" when you want to emphasize that your assessment or conclusion is based on an initial look or review, and may not be the final or complete analysis.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested