upon first inspection

USAGE SUMMARY

"upon first inspection" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when one is talking about making an initial observation of something, usually when evaluating it. Example: Upon first inspection, the house seemed to be in good condition.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Upon first inspection, the Captivate Glide doesn't necessarily stand out.

TechCrunch

You see, upon first inspection, the A7 fits the old adage of jack of all trades, master of none.

TechCrunch

The design is just a bit unconventional upon first inspection but they feel great when you start wearing them.

TechCrunch

Upon first inspection I thought this was kind of stupid, since I'm simply accustomed to five or six home screens per phone.

TechCrunch

This phenomenon makes identifying infectious particles upon first inspection difficult.

ACS Nano

Although these findings may seem counterintuitive upon first inspection, it is possible that the significant other beliefs, emotions, and responses associated with high relationship satisfaction are impacting patient outcomes in a different way compared to those generated in dyads where relationship quality is low.

Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Upon a first inspection, some of clusters, despite subtle differences in their time-dependent transcript profiles, showed an overrepresentation of genes from the same functional categories.

BMC Genomics

First inspection since becoming an academy.

BBC

The device itself is plasticine and upon first-hand inspection, weighs no more than a regular ring.

TechCrunch

Restaurants like this tend to look junky upon fifth or sixth inspection, and it's hard to believe this kitchen, serving so many diners at such a fleet pace, won't show signs of strain over time.

The New York Times - Food

Second, inspections immobilize Iraq while we deploy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon first inspection" to introduce an initial assessment that will be followed by a more detailed analysis or contrasting observation. This sets up a clear progression in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "upon first inspection" when you mean to describe an immediate emotional reaction. "At first sight" is more appropriate for expressing instant attraction or love.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon first inspection" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or basis of an initial assessment. As Ludwig AI notes, it introduces an observation made at the beginning of an evaluation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon first inspection" is a useful phrase for introducing initial observations or assessments, often preceding a more in-depth analysis or revised opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and acceptable. It appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, indicating a formal yet accessible tone. Remember to use this phrase to set up a clear progression in your writing, and avoid confusing it with expressions like "at first sight" which carries a different meaning. Consider alternatives like "at first glance" or "initially" for variety. With its clear purpose and relative formality, "upon first inspection" is a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

Emphasizes a quick, initial impression based on visual assessment.

on initial observation

Highlights the act of observing something for the first time.

at the outset

Focuses on the very beginning or start of an evaluation.

initially

A single-word adverb conveying the idea of 'at first'.

to begin with

Signifies starting point when making a statement or argument.

upon a cursory examination

Implies a brief and not very thorough inspection.

on the face of it

Indicates how something appears based on initial information.

at first blush

Similar to 'at first glance' but can also refer to emotional reactions.

from the get-go

An informal idiom expressing 'from the very beginning'.

in the early stages

Refers to the commencement phase of something.

FAQs

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

"Upon first inspection", the data seemed promising, but further analysis revealed inconsistencies.

What are some alternatives to "upon first inspection"?

You could use phrases like "at first glance", "on initial observation", or "initially" depending on the context.

Is "upon first inspection" formal or informal?

"Upon first inspection" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for both academic and professional writing. However, something more informal like "at first sight" might be preferrable in some contexts.

What does "upon first inspection" imply about subsequent analysis?

It suggests that the initial observation is likely to be followed by a more thorough or critical examination, potentially revealing details not immediately apparent.