preliminary look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial examination or assessment of something before a more detailed analysis is conducted. Example: "After a preliminary look at the data, we can see some interesting trends that warrant further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We have hadexperts have a preliminary look at it.

The Guardian

Here is a preliminary look at the Super Bowl ad plans of several advertisers.

The New York Times

Anyway, it only appears to be a preliminary look by the OFT.

The Guardian

"Our preliminary look suggests that the line could be back in service as early as this weekend," Mr. Clendenin said.

The New York Times

"A very preliminary look has not given us any red flags," said Margaret Forgione, the Manhattan borough commissioner of transportation.

The New York Times

In the print edition this week we take a preliminary look at her record as secretary of state.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Bob and his Hair Club Boys are on the roof taking a preliminary look-see.

The New Yorker

After a preliminary look-in, the police couldn't work out how Iyer had suffered internal injuries while not displaying any cuts or bruises, and investigations fizzled out.   .

Vice

The collection looked a bit like the half-finished muslin knock-ups designers tack into place when they're devising their preliminary looks, which might be Owens telling us in no subtle way that we're not quite ready for what he's doing this season.

Vice

Preliminary results look promising.

The New York Times

The preliminary results look good.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary look", ensure it's followed by a clear indication of what the initial assessment is about, and what further steps might be taken based on it. This provides context and clarifies the purpose of the initial examination.

Common error

Avoid drawing definitive conclusions solely based on a "preliminary look". Emphasize that further investigation or analysis is needed to validate initial observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary look" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes an initial assessment or examination, often before a more detailed analysis is conducted. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

43%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary look" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an initial assessment or examination. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse fields, particularly in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "initial assessment" or "first glance" exist, the key is to ensure context and avoid drawing firm conclusions solely from a preliminary review. This phrase serves as a valuable tool for setting expectations and indicating the early stages of an investigation or analysis. As such, its versatility and frequent usage make it a reliable choice in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial assessment

Focuses on the evaluation aspect rather than just the visual inspection.

first glance

Emphasizes the brevity and quickness of the initial observation.

cursory examination

Highlights the superficial nature of the review.

brief overview

Suggests a summary or condensed view.

quick inspection

Implies a rapid and practical assessment.

early review

Stresses the temporal aspect of the evaluation.

initial survey

Suggests a broad but not necessarily deep investigation.

exploratory analysis

Highlights the investigative nature of the assessment.

pilot study

Suggests a small-scale study to gather preliminary data.

feasibility study

Focuses on determining the practicality of a project.

FAQs

How can I use "preliminary look" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary look" to describe an initial assessment or examination. For example, "After a "preliminary look" at the data, we identified some trends."

What can I say instead of "preliminary look"?

Alternatives include "initial assessment", "first glance", or "cursory examination", depending on the specific context.

Is "preliminary look" formal or informal?

"Preliminary look" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "preliminary look" and "initial review"?

"Initial review" suggests a more structured and potentially documented assessment, while "preliminary look" can imply a more casual or quick examination.