upon first view

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon first view" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an initial impression or observation of something when it is first seen. Example: "Upon first view, the painting appeared to be a simple landscape, but closer inspection revealed intricate details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It certainly looked sickening upon first view.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The authors also had this impression upon first viewing the resource, which brings into question the motivations of TiS in targeting the resource at GCSE level.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Upon first viewing the film, he joked that while it "wasn't Gone with the Wind", it had commercial potential, and he expressed an interest in distributing it.

Wikipedia

It doesn't make sense at first, but upon second viewing, it's clear that Lex Luthor is actually a malfunctioning android and his moronic behavior is due to his circuits being fried.

The Guardian - Film

Stack noted that he did not love "Home" upon his first viewing, but praised it for adding depth to the characters and tackling body image and sexuality issues.

Wikipedia

I could not agree more, and as our elected representatives are about to consider dismantling the social safety supports that so many of these children and families depend upon, they would do well to first view Ask Us Who We Are.

Huffington Post

The first view is mistaken.

The New York Times

The first view must surely be correct.

The New York Times

It was my first view of polygamy.

The New Yorker

Let us assume the first view.

SEP

Maybe, upon second thought, not Genet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon first view" to describe an immediate impression or observation. It adds a slightly formal tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "upon first view" in very informal contexts. It's better suited for more formal writing where a degree of sophistication is desired. In casual conversation, consider using "at first glance" or "at first sight" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon first view" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an initial impression. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes something perceived immediately.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon first view" is a prepositional phrase used to describe an initial impression or observation. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare, lending a formal tone to writing. It appears across various contexts, including News & Media and Science, but is less common in everyday conversation. Consider more casual alternatives like "at first glance" in informal settings. When using "upon first view", ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality and contributes to the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

Emphasizes a quick, initial look.

on first inspection

Focuses on a preliminary examination or assessment.

at first sight

Highlights the immediate visual impact.

on initial viewing

Specifically refers to the first time something is watched.

at the outset

Indicates the beginning or start.

in the beginning

A more general term for the start of something.

initially

An adverb indicating the first stage.

at the start

Refers to the commencement point.

on its face

Describes how something appears without deeper investigation.

from the get-go

An informal expression for 'from the beginning'.

FAQs

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

Use "upon first view" to describe an initial impression or observation, as in, "Upon first view, the painting seemed simple, but it revealed more details upon closer inspection."

What's a more common synonym for "upon first view"?

A more common synonym for "upon first view" is "at first glance", which carries a similar meaning but is less formal.

Is "upon first view" formal or informal?

"Upon first view" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "at first sight" or "initially".

What's the difference between "upon first view" and "upon closer inspection"?

"Upon first view" refers to the initial impression, while "upon closer inspection" suggests a more thorough examination that reveals details not immediately apparent.