upon initial reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon initial reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a first impression or understanding of a text or situation before further analysis or consideration. Example: "Upon initial reading, the article seemed to present a balanced view of the issue, but further investigation revealed some biases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Johnson's use of at least three different narrative voices appear upon initial readings.

Huffington Post

Jimmy Bell, a San Francisco computer consultant, said that upon his initial reading, he thought the Bill Clinton book-tour blog might be real.

The New York Times - Tech

Two investigators (MN and GR) compiled lists of strengths and weaknesses in the methodology of each study upon the initial reading.

BMC Geriatrics

The impact of early school experiences on initial reading.

Stanford University

Immediately upon my initial read of the script, I knew I wanted to play off of their inspiration especially when it came to the music taste of the Maika Monroe character.

Vice

The STAR is a state-wide, computer-based assessment given by teachers several times during the school year, the purpose of which is to evaluate students' initial reading level upon entry into class and their progress through the school year.

Huffington Post

My initial reading of Eggers' The Circle was disappointing.

Duke University

SB undertook the search and initial reading.

BMC Health Services Research

The CLC Genomics Workbench CLC Bioo) v.4.8 was used for initial read trimming.

BMC Genomics

Initial reads were processed by matching to the corresponding identifier.

BMC Genomics

Upon initial glance, they read like digital art, but a shrewder inspection reveals how each work is the collaboration of tiny unrelated pieces the work of Fletschock's intuitive eye.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upon initial reading", ensure the subsequent text clarifies how further analysis or information alters or confirms the initial impression.

Common error

Avoid treating your "upon initial reading" as a definitive conclusion. Instead, present it as a starting point for deeper investigation or understanding. The phrase implies a preliminary assessment, not an end-all statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon initial reading" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing an initial assessment or understanding of a text or situation. It sets the stage for a subsequent analysis or a more nuanced perspective, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon initial reading" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a preliminary understanding or assessment. While not as common as other alternatives like "at first glance", it finds appropriate use in analytical contexts across news, science, and academic domains. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. When employing this phrase, remember to present it as an initial perspective that may be subject to change with further consideration, rather than a definitive conclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a first impression

Directly states that it is an initial assessment.

at first glance

Focuses on the visual aspect of forming an initial impression.

on first inspection

Emphasizes a closer, more detailed examination.

initially

A single-word adverb conveying the idea of "at the beginning".

at the outset

Highlights the beginning or commencement of something.

on the surface

Suggests that there may be more beneath what is immediately apparent.

on the face of it

Indicates something appears to be true based on initial observation, but may not be.

from a cursory reading

Implies a quick and not very thorough reading.

after a preliminary read

Emphasizes the tentative nature of the initial understanding.

at the very beginning

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the beginning.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "upon initial reading" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "on first inspection" or "at first glance", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "upon initial reading" and "after reading"?

"Upon initial reading" implies a first, possibly superficial, understanding. "After reading" is more general and doesn't necessarily suggest the impression is subject to change. It simply indicates a point in time following the act of reading.

Is it correct to use "upon initial reading" in academic writing?

Yes, "upon initial reading" is appropriate for academic writing when you want to convey your first impression or understanding of a text before a deeper analysis. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in several types of contexts.

Can I use "on initial reading" instead of "upon initial reading"?

While "on initial reading" might be understood, "upon initial reading" is the more idiomatic and commonly accepted phrasing.