upon first glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon first glance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that you initially observe or think when you first look at it. For example, "Upon first glance, the painting seemed quite abstract, but upon further inspection I noticed it was a landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Confidence has not been in short supply, edging towards cockiness upon first glance.

The Guardian - Sport

Upon first glance, it looked as if the Bengals blitzed the Raiders like crazy all game.

The New York Times

SAN FRANCISCO — Upon first glance, there is little that stands out about Bobby Parnell.

The New York Times - Sports

The diving 50-yarder was initially ruled incomplete, probably because Jones's sensational grab seemed physically impossible upon first glance.

The New York Times

Upon first glance, Holmes's collapse looked eerily reminiscent to the noncontact slip by cornerback Darrelle Revis a week ago.

The New York Times - Sports

Upon first glance, this installment is a departure for the Mulleavys, who are known for their fanciful designs.

The New York Times

Lyrics like that may seem cynical upon first glance, but such down-to-earth words feel compassionate too, don't they?

The Guardian - Music

Former bastions of commerce like the village of Orford and the seaside resort of Southwold — which, although pretty, might seem one-dimensional upon first glance —  are sharpened and made intriguing by Sebald's poetic descriptions of their ascensions and declines.

The New York Times - Travel

Meanwhile, he brought off a number of excellent jokes on high art — paintings derived from paint-by-numbers kits and minimalist sculptures that, upon first glance, are indistinguishable from Brillo boxes.

The New Yorker

The nose job I didn't get that year would have been a cheerleader's nose, dark holes of nostril evident upon first glance, turned up so that you could see straight into my brain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

3) Upon first glance at Figure 1 source data 1, 2 and 3, it appears that there are missing studies and inaccuracies in the studies listed which you used to conduct their analyses.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "upon first glance" with verbs that communicate a perceived quality (e.g. appear, seem, look) to clearly signal that the observation is based on a quick, initial assessment.

Common error

Avoid treating the initial impression described by "upon first glance" as the definitive truth. Always follow it with deeper analysis or additional information to provide a complete picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon first glance" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the timing or basis of an initial observation. It sets the stage for a more detailed or contrasting perspective, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon first glance" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that introduces an initial observation or impression. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. It's particularly prevalent in news media and scientific writing and is a useful tool for setting up a more nuanced or contrasting perspective. When using this phrase, be mindful to follow it with additional information to avoid presenting a superficial or incomplete assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first sight

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the initial impression.

initially

A more concise and direct way to indicate the beginning of an assessment.

at first blush

Implies a superficial or cursory examination.

on the surface

Highlights what is immediately apparent, often contrasting it with a deeper reality.

from the outset

Focuses on the very beginning of an observation or process.

at the beginning

A simpler way of indicating the starting point of an assessment.

to begin with

Indicates an introductory point or consideration.

prima facie

A more formal and legalistic way to describe an initial impression.

superficially

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the initial assessment.

from a cursory view

Highlights that the assessment is quick and not detailed.

FAQs

How can I use "upon first glance" in a sentence?

Use "upon first glance" to introduce an initial impression or observation that you intend to expand on or challenge later in your writing. For example, "Upon first glance, the data seemed to support the hypothesis, but further analysis revealed several inconsistencies."

What are some alternatives to saying "upon first glance"?

You can use alternatives like "at first sight", "initially", or "on the surface" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "upon first glance" or "at first glance"?

Both "upon first glance" and "at first glance" are grammatically correct and convey essentially the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference, although "upon first glance" might be considered slightly more formal.

What does "upon first glance" imply about the depth of analysis?

"Upon first glance" suggests that the observation is based on a quick, initial assessment and that further investigation might reveal a different or more complex reality. It indicates that the initial impression should not be taken as the final word.