at first glance

Meaning

This expression means when first looked at or considered, before closer examination. It is commonly used in academic and analytical writing to introduce an initial hypothesis or apparent fact before presenting deeper analysis that might contradict it.

Examples

• At first glance, the two theories appear identical, but they differ fundamentally in their core assumptions.

  At first glance, the two theories appear identical, but they differ fundamentally in their core assumptions.

• The data seemed promising at first glance, but a closer analysis revealed several inconsistencies.

  The data seemed promising at first glance, but a closer analysis revealed several inconsistencies.

• At first glance, the painting looks like a simple landscape, but it contains hidden political symbols.

  At first glance, the painting looks like a simple landscape, but it contains hidden political symbols.

• Although the policy seems beneficial at first glance, its long-term economic consequences could be disastrous.

  Although the policy seems beneficial at first glance, its long-term economic consequences could be disastrous.

• At first glance, the math problem looked impossible to solve within the given time limit.

  At first glance, the math problem looked impossible to solve within the given time limit.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ In first glance, the solution seemed obvious.

  ✓ At first glance, the solution seemed obvious.

  The standard preposition is 'at', not 'in' or 'on'.

• ✗ At first look, the thesis statement is weak.

  ✓ At first glance, the thesis statement is weak.

  While 'at first look' is sometimes used, 'at first glance' is the standard, more academic collocation.

Related Expressions

Practice

• ___, the experiment was a success, but the control group had been contaminated.

  💡 when first looked at

  Show answer

  At first glance

• The document appears genuine ___, but the signature is a clever forgery.

  💡 upon initial inspection

  Show answer

  at first glance