THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
At first glance
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
On first looking at or considering something, before examining it carefully.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- At first glance, the two forms look identical.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
________, the two forms look identical.
Show the answer
At first glance — On first looking at or considering something, before examining it carefully.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “At first glance” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
On first looking at or considering something, before examining it carefully.
Compare: At first glance, the two forms look identical.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when describing an initial impression, especially one that may change after closer attention. It suits conversation, study and general writing.
More examples in context
- The puzzle seems simple at first glance, but one detail changes the answer.
- At first glance, I thought the café was closed; then I noticed the open side door.
Usage note
An initial impression is not always wrong, so the phrase does not require a later correction. It simply signals that the assessment is preliminary.
A short conversation
A: Do these two tickets cover the same journey?
B: At first glance, yes, but let us check the return dates.
A: Good idea. The small print may matter.
One more practice question
Which statement describes an impression at first glance?
A. An early judgment made before a careful examination.
B. A final judgment after checking every detail thoroughly.
Check your answer
A. The phrase marks a first, preliminary impression.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.