on first impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on first impression" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an initial reaction or opinion about something or someone. Example: "On first impression, the new restaurant seemed cozy and inviting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

PALMYRA - ON first impression, John Gural stocky and bespectacled -- hardly strikes a visitor as a secret agent, partisan revolutionary or news-media star.

The New York Times

The Territory had been described to me variously as a youth hostel, an art studio, a submarine, a dreamscape and a favela — to which one could add, on first impression, a firetrap, a serial-killer lair and Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

The New York Times - Style

"On first impression, these beach houses seem like caricatures, one-liners," the architectural historian Alastair Gordon wrote in a 1999 New York Times profile of Mr. Geller, but "they represented a kind of everyman modernism that was both playful and accessible, with most houses costing less than $10,000".

The New York Times

On first impression then, Sleep School is a cross between an AA meeting and one of those rare school days where the weather's so nice you get to have a lesson on the field.

The Guardian - Travel

"On first impression, the shirt looked the same.

The New York Times

On first impression some fantastic songs and much to explore.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

A lot of hands-on first impressions were chronicled.

The New York Times

On first impressions, at least, he would probably have been modestly impressed.

The New Yorker

As celebrity endorsements to political parties go, Daniel Radcliffe's declaration of loyalty to the Liberal Democrats appeared, on first impressions at least, to be a useful one.

Independent

But concentrate on first impressions.

The Guardian - Money

Bullies don't do complexity, they thrive on first impressions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on first impression", follow it with a comma to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause. For example: On first impression, the book seemed daunting.

Common error

Avoid using "on first impression" when describing a final, fully informed judgment. This phrase implies a preliminary assessment, not a conclusive one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on first impression" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by indicating the timing or basis of an initial assessment. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on first impression" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating an initial assessment or viewpoint. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used and correct. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, and less so in formal business or academic writing. When using "on first impression", remember that it implies a preliminary judgment that might evolve. Alternatives like "at first glance" or "initially" can also be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the initial assessment, focusing on what is immediately apparent.

on the face of it

Indicates something's apparent nature, potentially contrasting with deeper reality.

initially

A more general term indicating something that occurs at the beginning, without specifying the nature of the assessment.

upon initial observation

Highlights the act of observing as the basis for the first impression, suggesting a more considered assessment.

at the outset

Focuses on the beginning or start of something, often implying a plan or process.

superficially

Describes something based only on surface-level observation.

at the start

A straightforward way to indicate the beginning of a process or situation.

from the get-go

An informal expression emphasizing the immediacy and continuity of the initial impression.

in the beginning

A general phrase referring to the earliest stage of something, without specific emphasis on assessment.

to begin with

Highlights the initial point or aspect considered.

FAQs

What does "on first impression" mean?

The phrase "on first impression" refers to an initial opinion or feeling about someone or something after the first encounter or exposure. It suggests that this opinion might change with more information or experience.

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

You can use "on first impression" to introduce an initial observation or judgment. For example: "On first impression, the city seemed overwhelming, but I quickly grew to love it."

What can I say instead of "on first impression"?

You can use alternatives like "at first glance", "initially", or "on the face of it" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use a comma after "on first impression"?

Yes, it is generally recommended to use a comma after "on first impression" to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause. For example: "On first impression, the project seemed simple, but it turned out to be quite complex."