upon first sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon first sight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an initial impression or reaction to something when it is first observed or encountered. Example: "Upon first sight, the painting captivated me with its vibrant colors and intricate details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We weren't too impressed with early photos but upon first sight, in person, those impressions were immediately discharged.

TechCrunch

In proposing this question Condillac was asking a more radical version of the question Molyneux had posed to Locke: would a person born blind and made to see perceive spatial features well enough upon first sight to be able to identify cubes and spheres without touching them?

SEP

Acting sober is not the primary concern of a blind clubber; from experience, I know that, upon first sight of me and my eyes, the decision has already been made: "He's definitely a no".

Vice

While less invasive devices are in the works, CPAP machines as designed today are jarring upon first sight ("It took me three years to look in the mirror with my mask on," one user told the Wall Street Journal).

Vice

And the stone statues are so grand that upon first sight, all I can utter is "Holy sh*t". This, is Easter Island -- "Isla de Pascua" in Spanish and by indigenous title, "Rapa Nui". But to me, it will always be the "Holy Sh*t Island". I was rendered incapable of complex thoughts by the island's sites, forced to fall back on my 16-year-old vernacular and simply exclaim profanities.

HuffPost

It is not easy to distinguish between rho−/ rho and mit− mutants upon first sight; therefore, to estimate point mutagenesis in yeast mtDNA, researchers test yeast cultures to determine the frequency of mutants that are respiratory proficient, but resistant to inhibitors that target specific mitochondrial processes.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Upon first sighting, I realized that even 7,605 miles away, I was home.

Huffington Post

Rounding a corner, I came upon a quieter area, which, at first sight, looked like the systems department.

The New Yorker

Although at first sight the behavior of aS upon binding to CR appears very similar to that seen for binding of the protein to very low concentrations of phospholipids, a key difference is seen in the kinetics of the process.

Biochemistry

Although at first sight the patterns of NMR intensity attenuation upon binding of aS to phospholipids and CR appear to be very similar, there is a subtle but fundamental difference, too.

Biochemistry

Love at first sight".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon first sight" to emphasize a strong, immediate reaction or impression based on visual assessment. For example, "Upon first sight, the artwork evoked a powerful sense of nostalgia."

Common error

Avoid using "upon first sight" when describing a judgment that requires more than a visual assessment. For instance, do not say "Upon first sight, the financial report seemed accurate" since a financial report needs careful analysis, not just a quick glance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon first sight" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or basis of an initial impression. It highlights the immediacy of a visual assessment, as seen in Ludwig's examples, such as describing an immediate reaction to a work of art or a landscape.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upon first sight" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe an immediate impression or reaction based on a visual assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts, predominantly in news, media, and scientific domains. While similar to "at first sight", it carries a slightly more formal tone. Writers should use it to emphasize the immediacy of a visually derived impression and avoid applying it to judgments requiring deeper analysis. Ludwig's analysis reveals that "upon first sight" is a valuable tool for expressing immediate reactions to visual stimuli.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

Replaces "upon" with "at" and "sight" with "glance", slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning of an initial look.

on initial viewing

Substitutes "first sight" with "initial viewing", focusing on the act of seeing something for the first time.

at first observation

Replaces "sight" with "observation", highlighting a more deliberate and analytical first look.

at the first encounter

Shifts the focus to the act of encountering something for the first time, rather than just seeing it.

on the first inspection

Implies a more thorough and detailed initial look, suitable when something is being examined closely.

at the outset

Focuses on the beginning or commencement of something, rather than the visual aspect.

initially

A simpler adverbial form indicating what happened at the beginning.

at the beginning

Highlights the temporal aspect of the first impression or reaction.

from the start

Emphasizes the immediate and unwavering nature of the initial impression.

in the first instance

A more formal way of saying "at first", suitable for legal or official contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "upon first sight" to describe an immediate impression or reaction to something visual. For example, "Upon first sight, the landscape took my breath away."

What are some alternatives to "upon first sight"?

You can use alternatives like "at first glance", "on initial viewing", or "at first observation" depending on the context.

Is "at first sight" the same as "upon first sight"?

Yes, "at first sight" and "upon first sight" are largely interchangeable and convey the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.

When is it appropriate to use "upon first sight" instead of "at first sight"?

Both are correct, but "upon first sight" can lend a slightly more formal or emphatic tone compared to "at first sight", use it when you want that slight emphasis.