on first inspection

USAGE SUMMARY

"on first inspection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you are assessing or examining something for the first time. For example: "On first inspection, the house seemed to be in decent condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

On first inspection it looked like one of Israel's missiles must have gone astray, a case of collateral damage.

BBC

It's an alien place on first inspection.

Independent

The question might, on first inspection, seem absurd.

Harvard University

Moreover, she had brought home someone who seemed mature and kind, at least on first inspection.

The New York Times

On first inspection, the local surgery appears to have a good selection of magazines.

The Guardian

On first inspection, these ancient texts are as incomprehensible as a message from another planet.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Resolved: Inspector unable to gain access on second inspection," reads the Web site entry.

The New York Times

Joe Allen appeared to have mis-hit a shot from Adam Lallana's 37th-minute cross but on second inspection the Wales midfielder had opened up his body shape to divert the ball on to Ibe who fired home at the far post.

Independent

Restaurants that don't receive an A on the first inspection are re-inspected about a month later.

Huffington Post

On Dec. 7, Esca, another three-star restaurant, received 25 points on its first inspection and 18 points on a reinspection three weeks later.

The New York Times - Food

72percentt of the restaurants that scored C's on the first inspection got A's or B's on the second go round.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on first inspection" to introduce an initial assessment that might change upon closer examination. This sets the expectation that further analysis may reveal more complex details.

Common error

Avoid treating the initial assessment made "on first inspection" as the definitive conclusion. Always indicate whether your initial impression held up after further investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on first inspection" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate the timing and perspective of an initial assessment. As supported by Ludwig, it introduces a preliminary observation that may or may not hold true after further examination.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on first inspection" serves as a valuable tool in English writing, signaling a preliminary assessment or observation that sets the stage for further analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Appearing most frequently in news and media, with a notable presence in scientific and academic contexts, its register remains neutral, rendering it suitable for diverse writing styles. Remember to use "on first inspection" to introduce an initial viewpoint, while remaining open to the possibility of subsequent findings that may alter or enrich your understanding. Consider using alternatives such as "at first glance" or "upon initial observation" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

Emphasizes a quick, visual assessment.

upon initial observation

Highlights the act of observing something for the first time.

at first blush

Similar to 'at first glance', emphasizing a superficial initial impression.

at the outset

Focuses on the beginning or start of something.

on the face of it

Indicates how something appears based on initial evidence.

initially

A more concise way to express the idea of something happening at the beginning.

from the initial perspective

Highlights that the assessment is based on a specific viewpoint.

at the preliminary stage

Focuses on the early phase or step in a process.

in the beginning

Simply refers to the start or commencement of something.

as a starting point

Emphasizes the beginning of an analysis or discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "on first inspection" to introduce an initial assessment or observation. For example, "On first inspection, the data seemed promising, but further analysis revealed significant flaws."

What's a good alternative to "on first inspection"?

Alternatives include "at first glance", "initially", or "upon initial observation", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "on first inspection" or "after closer inspection"?

"On first inspection" implies an initial, possibly superficial assessment, while "after closer inspection" suggests a more thorough investigation leading to a potentially different conclusion. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the depth of your analysis.

Can "on first inspection" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "on first inspection" is suitable for formal writing, as demonstrated by its usage in news articles, academic papers, and other authoritative sources. Its formality is considered neutral.