on first sight

USAGE SUMMARY

"on first sight" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an initial impression or opinion about something that may change after further investigation. For example: "The hotel looked very nice on first sight, but after inspecting the room more carefully, we soon realized it was not up to our standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So three or four times we've had this happen with kids that on first sight don't appear the best ones to be on a bus with, but you realise it's high spirits.

Ageing and Society

On first sight of Fabio, I am buoyed.

The Guardian - Travel

If you hate a work on first sight, fine.

The New Yorker

His face is, on first sight, exceedingly jovial.

The Guardian

It all hangs together superbly well on first sight, though.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

On first sight, they fooled a number of people.

The New York Times

Yet many of the original routines received applause on first sight; die-hard fans were happy.

The New York Times

On first sight, Derek Jacobi is as inscrutable as a parked Skoda.

The Guardian

On first sight, Ballas looks to be well up to the job.

The Telegraph

On first sight he was splendid; sure he proved his beauty in the test.

The New York Times - Books

On first sight, the findings do not make good reading for landlords.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on first sight" to introduce an initial impression that may later be revised or contradicted by further information.

Common error

Avoid using "on first sight" when you are presenting a final, well-researched conclusion. This phrase is best for describing initial, potentially fleeting impressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on first sight" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or basis of an initial impression or judgment. Ludwig's examples show the phrase introducing an initial observation that may or may not hold up under further scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on first sight" serves as an adverbial phrase used to describe an initial impression, observation, or judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use across various writing styles. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While "at first glance" is a close synonym, "on first sight" can encompass more than just a visual impression. When using this phrase, it's important to remember that it introduces an initial take that may be subject to change upon further examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

Emphasizes a quick, initial visual assessment.

at first view

Similar to "at first sight" but emphasizes the act of seeing.

on the face of it

Indicates how something appears superficially.

upon initial observation

Highlights the act of observing something for the first time.

at first blush

Suggests an initial, superficial impression.

to the casual eye

Highlights how something seems without close inspection.

from the outset

Focuses on the very beginning of an experience or situation.

superficially

Focuses on the surface appearance of something.

initially

A simple adverb indicating the beginning.

at the beginning

Directly states the starting point.

FAQs

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

Use "on first sight" to describe an initial impression or reaction, as in "On first sight, the building appeared abandoned, but closer inspection revealed signs of life".

What are some alternatives to "on first sight"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "on first sight" in formal writing?

Yes, "on first sight" is appropriate for formal writing as it is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. However, consider whether a more precise alternative might be more suitable for your specific context.

What's the difference between "on first sight" and "at first glance"?

While similar, "at first glance" typically refers to a quick visual impression, while "on first sight" can encompass a broader initial impression based on any of the senses or initial information.