on first glance

USAGE SUMMARY

'on first glance' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one has only taken a quick initial look at something, but has not yet considered it in great detail. For example: On first glance, the painting seemed to be an abstract work of modern art; however, upon closer inspection, it was revealed to be an old Renaissance masterpiece.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On first glance, one can see why: the premise is certainly intriguing.

The Guardian - Books

Somehow that suits modern pentathlon, on first glance one of the less fathomable Olympic sports.

BBC

The story is not, at least on first glance, a particularly cinematic one.

The New York Times

At least on first glance.

The New York Times

On first glance, the shop is nondescript.

The New York Times

On first glance, White's exclusion looks harsh.

The Guardian - Sport

On first glance nothing much has changed.

The Guardian

It's difficult to perceive on first glance.

The Guardian

On first glance, using biofuels seems like a no‑brainer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On first glance, this is the region of death.

The Washington Post

And, on first glance, his results don't look good.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on first glance" to introduce an initial impression that may change with further investigation. This sets the stage for a deeper analysis or revised understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "on first glance" when you have already conducted a thorough analysis. This phrase is best suited for preliminary assessments, not final conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on first glance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing and superficial nature of an observation or assessment. As Ludwig AI explains, it sets up an initial impression that may be subject to change upon closer examination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on first glance" serves as a useful adverbial phrase for introducing an initial impression or superficial assessment. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it is important to use this phrase appropriately to indicate a preliminary observation, as using the phrase after a deep analysis of the topic would be misleading. Consider using alternative phrases such as "at first sight" or "initially" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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 view

Substitutes "glance" with "view", highlighting a quick look or observation.

upon initial observation

Replaces "glance" with a more formal term, "observation", suggesting a slightly more deliberate look.

initially

A single word replacement for the entire phrase, indicating a starting point.

prima facie

A legal term meaning "on its first encounter" or "evident without proof or reasoning".

at the outset

Focuses on the beginning or start of something, similar to an initial impression.

to begin with

Emphasizes the starting point of an assessment or process.

from the start

Highlights the beginning of a process or understanding.

on the surface

Indicates a superficial assessment before deeper analysis.

superficially

Indicates something is assessed in a shallow, surface-level manner.

FAQs

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

Use "on first glance" to introduce an initial, often superficial, impression. For example, "On first glance, the problem seemed simple, but it soon became more complex."

What are some alternatives to "on first glance"?

You can use alternatives like "at first sight", "initially", or "upon initial observation" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to follow "on first glance" with "but"?

No, it is not redundant. Following "on first glance" with "but" or a similar conjunction effectively sets up a contrast between an initial impression and a more detailed assessment, enhancing clarity and depth in your writing.

Can I use "on second glance" instead of "on first glance"?

Yes, "on second glance" implies a more careful or repeated observation. The phrase is used when something wasn't apparent or understood initially but becomes clearer upon closer inspection.