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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
On first look
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"on first look" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
You can use it to describe the initial impression of something. For example, "On first look, the house appeared small and dark, but once inside, I was surprised by how spacious it actually was."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
32 human-written examples
The original Sin City film in 2005 offered a vivid anthology of stories from Miller's hard-boiled crime series about the fictional, rain-drenched dystopia Basin City, and this one, on first look, appeared just as visceral.
News & Media
Education appears on first look to be one of the few winners: the administration requests an additional $1 billion for Title I, the financing stream aimed at impoverished children.
News & Media
His creations at times had the same effect that Jackson's moonwalk might have on first look.
News & Media
Further along are Richard Silberman's photographs that, on first look, you'd swear were drawings.
News & Media
On first look you will think, "Preeya Kalidas is delightful, but she's no Gaga".
News & Media
On first look, 2016 was another groundbreaking year for Australian women in sport.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
28 human-written examples
We Heart It president Dave Williams swung by TechCrunch's San Francisco headquarters to give us a hands-on first look at the app, which has been overhauled from the ground up for the new design.
News & Media
We could tell you about it, but of course you want to see it in action... Please watch our hands-on first look of the NERF Accustrike Blasters -.
News & Media
On first looking into Chapman's Homer... of course!
News & Media
A sort of On first looking into Chapman's Homer kind of experience.
News & Media
Well, on first looking into Myles's Keats and Chapman, we're struck by their fantastic, almost Gothic, structure.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
Use "on first look" to introduce an initial impression or assessment that might change upon further investigation. It sets the stage for a deeper analysis.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "on first look" when presenting a final, well-researched conclusion. This phrase implies a preliminary observation, not a definitive finding.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "on first look" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the perspective from which an observation is made. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and usable.
Expression frequency: Common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
75%
Formal & Business
15%
Science
10%
⚠ Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "on first look" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to introduce an initial impression. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While generally neutral in register, it's most frequently found in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it suggests a preliminary assessment that might be subject to change with further investigation. Alternatives like "at first glance" or "initially" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
at first glance
Indicates an initial impression based on a quick look, similar to "on first look" but slightly more concise.
at first sight
Emphasizes a visual first impression, similar to "on first look" but more direct.
initially
Focuses on the beginning or start of an assessment, omitting the visual aspect of "look".
on initial inspection
More formal, suggesting a careful examination rather than a casual observation.
from the outset
Highlights the very beginning of a situation or observation, broader than a simple look.
superficially
Implies a lack of depth in the initial observation, suggesting further analysis is needed.
More alternative expressions(5)
FAQs
What does "on first look" mean?
"On first look" means based on an initial or superficial assessment, often implying that further investigation might reveal a different or more complex reality.
How can I use "on first look" in a sentence?
You can use "on first look" to introduce an initial impression, such as: "At first glance, the problem seemed simple, but it quickly became more complicated."
What are some alternatives to "on first look"?
Some alternatives include "at first glance", "initially", or "at first sight", depending on the specific context.
Is it appropriate to use "on first look" in formal writing?
While "on first look" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives such as "on initial inspection" or "prima facie" might be preferred in highly formal or academic contexts.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested