on initial reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on initial reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a first impression or understanding of a text or situation before further analysis or consideration. Example: "On initial reading, the article seems to present a compelling argument, but further investigation is needed to assess its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

On initial reading, this appears to be a mixed metaphor – given that swamps are what the first ambulant creatures emerged from, rather than the caves or dens associated with hibernation.

The Guardian - Music

Even so, other Pentagon officials briefed on the content of the e-mails said that some of the language did, on initial reading, seem "overly flirtatious" and warranted further inquiry.

The New York Times

Even so, other Pentagon officials briefed on the content of the e-mails said some of the language did, on initial reading, seem "overly flirtatious" and warranted further inquiry.

The New York Times

This casts an interesting light on aphorism 77 of his Philosophia Botanica [[ 34], §77], the three well-known parts of which might not, on initial reading, seem to be closely related: The fragments of the natural method are to be diligently sought out.

Biology Direct

Lesion with In-DOTA-MG11 and In-DOTA-CCK missed on initial reading bNot all lesions could be confirmed by US cLesions in patients 5 and 6 best visible with 99mTc-demogastrin 2 (Figs.  2 and 4) Visually there were no clear differences in renal uptake between the three compounds; the stomach (CCK-2 receptor-positive) to kidney ratio seemed best with 99mTc-demogastrin 2 (Fig.  5).

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He said: "On an initial reading, the government's response appears to fall short on a number of important points".

The Guardian

On an initial reading, the government's response appears to fall short on a number of important points, including the leverage ratio, proprietary trading, improving the governance of the Bank of England and reform of the FCA's objectives".

The Guardian - Business

The new detail from the BEA agency is based on an initial reading of the plane's black box data recorder, found blackened and buried at the crash site on Thursday.

The Guardian

Robert Abreu, a lawyer for Mr. Keshari, 48, said in an interview that based on his initial reading of the case: "It does not deal apparently with any weapons or munitions.

The New York Times

Spock's secret, which comes as a shock on an initial reading, 70 years after first publication, was to offer fundamentally conventional, even banal, advice in a revolutionary way.

The Guardian - Books

No more readily, on my initial reading, had I seen Brideshead Revisited, for all that it is.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on initial reading" to convey your immediate understanding or impression of a text before deeper analysis. This sets the stage for further exploration.

Common error

Avoid presenting your assessment after "on initial reading" as a definitive conclusion. Instead, frame it as a preliminary observation that requires further investigation or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on initial reading" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a clause or sentence, indicating the basis for an assessment or opinion. It serves to introduce a preliminary understanding, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on initial reading" serves to preface a preliminary assessment or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and used in written English to indicate a first impression before further analysis. While not extremely frequent, it appears across various sources, including news, science, and wiki articles. Related phrases like "at first glance" or "initially" can offer similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure that your statement is presented as a preliminary observation, subject to further scrutiny.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially

A simpler, adverbial alternative that conveys the same sense of a first impression or understanding.

at first glance

Replaces "on initial reading" with a more visual metaphor, implying a quick, superficial assessment.

upon first inspection

Similar to "at first glance" but emphasizes a more deliberate, though still preliminary, examination.

from a cursory reading

Emphasizes the superficial or brief nature of the initial reading.

in the first instance

Highlights the very beginning of a process or assessment, similar to "on initial reading".

after a preliminary scan

Highlights the scanning nature of reading and is useful when speed is implied.

at the outset

Focuses on the starting point or beginning phase of something, providing a similar meaning to the original phrase.

based on a quick perusal

Similar to "cursory reading", but emphasizes a lighter and faster style of reading than simply "scanning".

to begin with

Introduces a first point or consideration, similar to the initial understanding gained from reading.

as a first impression

Highlights the subjective experience of a first encounter with text; not focused on an actual reading.

FAQs

How can I use "on initial reading" in a sentence?

You can use "on initial reading" to preface your first impression or understanding of something. For example, "On initial reading, the report seems promising, but further analysis is needed."

What's a good alternative to "on initial reading"?

Alternatives include "at first glance", "initially", or "upon first inspection". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "on initial reading" in formal writing?

Yes, "on initial reading" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to introduce a preliminary assessment.

What's the difference between "on initial reading" and "after a thorough review"?

"On initial reading" suggests a first, often quick, assessment. "After a thorough review" implies a more in-depth and comprehensive analysis. They represent different stages of understanding.