on initial viewing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on initial viewing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a first impression or reaction to something, such as a film, artwork, or text. Example: "On initial viewing, the film seemed confusing, but upon reflection, its themes became clearer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It generates 2 pixels per mirror by optically shifting the image back and forth rapidly on the screen, a new does-it-with-mirrors trick that on initial viewing appears to minimize the already minimal screen-door effect at the expense of overall sharpness.

Forbes

On initial viewing of this type of drawing, one will probably immediately see a meaningful picture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It says; "The Rules prohibit writing services performed for a struck company in connection with new programming intended for initial viewing on non-traditional media (such as the Internet and cellular telephones), and the option or sale of literary material for that purpose".

TechCrunch

"That's the phrase that scares me the most, that people will be whipped into such a frenzy that on the initial viewing there'll be this shock that it's over".

The New York Times - Arts

On an initial viewing I came away unable to shake the conviction that the staging felt ever so slightly embalmed, as if Mr. Nichols's decision to recreate the original Jo Mielziner set and employ the original Alex North score was an act of reverence that may have subtly impeded true creative renewal.

The New York Times

Carabott also praised the scene where Jack tries to save Charlie; "I remember believing that they had killed off Charlie on my initial viewing and even though I knew the outcome this time, it was still a hard scene to watch," adding "after Jack finally manages to resuscitate him, you have to feel for Charlie because you know that he's disappointed in himself for letting Claire down".

Wikipedia

Our main interest was how learning teams of professionals evaluate knowledge exchange and knowledge explication as knowledge productive, based on their initial views on knowledge and knowing.

Learning and Instruction

In response BT said that its initial cost estimates were "based on our initial view of how much it would cost to deploy fibre in rural areas".

BBC

However, Kerstholt et al. [ 70] suggest that assessments of disability are largely based on the initial view formed after reading the file.

BMC Public Health

Based on their initial views that FoF could be conceptualised as anxiety-based and avoidant, the intervention developers had anticipated developing a simple, linear, manualised intervention which would centre around graded exposure.

BMC Health Services Research

On the basis of an initial viewing, art directors and copywriters may be able to rest easy for sometime.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on initial viewing" to convey a first impression or immediate reaction, especially when describing art, media, or complex situations.

Common error

Avoid using "on initial viewing" to present a definitive judgment. It should reflect a preliminary assessment that might evolve with further consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on initial viewing" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the time or condition under which an action or state occurs. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows examples where it sets the context for an opinion or observation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on initial viewing" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a first impression or preliminary assessment. While relatively neutral in register, it's more commonly found in news, encyclopedic and wiki contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples demonstrating its usage. Consider alternatives like "at first glance" or "initially" depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to use it to convey a preliminary impression rather than a definitive judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

Replaces "on initial viewing" with a more concise expression emphasizing the immediacy of the first impression.

upon first inspection

Similar to "at first glance", but emphasizes a more careful or deliberate examination during the first encounter.

on first impression

Highlights the subjective feeling or belief formed during the first encounter.

at the outset

Focuses on the beginning or start, suggesting an initial assessment or perspective.

initially

A single-word adverb conveying the sense of "at first" or "in the beginning".

in the beginning

A more literal and straightforward way of expressing the initial stage or phase.

from the start

Emphasizes the entire duration from the very beginning.

at the preliminary stage

Suggests a formal or structured assessment during the early phase.

in the early stages

Similar to "at the preliminary stage", but less formal.

to begin with

A common phrase used to introduce an initial point or action.

FAQs

What does "on initial viewing" mean?

The phrase "on initial viewing" refers to the first impression or reaction someone has when they see something for the first time. It suggests a preliminary assessment before further analysis or consideration.

What can I say instead of "on initial viewing"?

You can use alternatives like "at first glance", "upon first inspection", or "initially" depending on the context.

How do I use "on initial viewing" in a sentence?

You can use "on initial viewing" to describe your immediate reaction to something. For example, "On initial viewing, the painting seemed chaotic, but I later appreciated its complexity."

Is "on initial viewing" formal or informal?

The phrase "on initial viewing" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "at the outset" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.