My first time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "My first time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an initial experience or occurrence of something, often in a personal context. Example: "I was nervous about going skydiving, but it was exhilarating; it was my first time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"My first time," he said.

The New Yorker

My first time there.

The New York Times - Magazine

My first time was my best time.

Independent

My first time, I almost fell over.

The New York Times

My first time touching Olivia.

Huffington Post

My first time in handcuffs!

Vice

My first time on Rikers?

Vice

My first time in a movie.

Huffington Post

My first time on a surfboard.

Huffington Post

My first time skyping into a conference!

Huffington Post

"My first time I was god awful.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using this phrase. While generally acceptable, in formal settings, it may be better to use more descriptive alternatives such as "My initial experience" or "The first instance for me".

Common error

Avoid using "My first time" without providing sufficient context. This can lead to confusion or ambiguity, especially if the topic is sensitive or could be interpreted in multiple ways. Always make sure the event or activity is clear to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "My first time" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it referring to a past event, expressing a personal experience or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "My first time" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe an initial experience. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, clarity is key; provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "my initial experience". Be mindful of audience and strive for precision to ensure your message is both clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My initial experience

Replaces "time" with "experience", emphasizing the overall event.

My first encounter

Similar to 'experience', but implies a more direct or unexpected meeting.

My earliest experience

Highlights the temporal aspect, emphasizing it as the beginning.

The first instance for me

More formal and emphasizes the occurrence of the event.

The first occasion for me

More formal synonym for 'time', emphasizing the specific event.

My debut

Implies a public or professional introduction to something.

When I first tried

Focuses on the act of trying something for the first time.

My first venture

Suggests an undertaking or risky endeavor.

The inaugural moment for me

Highly formal and emphasizes the beginning of something.

My initiation

Implies a formal introduction or entry into a group or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "My first time" in a sentence?

You can use "My first time" to describe an initial experience, like "My first time skydiving was exhilarating" or "It was my first time visiting Paris, and I loved it".

What are some alternatives to saying "My first time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "my initial experience", "the first instance for me", or "my debut".

Is it appropriate to use "My first time" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "My first time" is often considered informal. In formal contexts, consider using more descriptive and precise language, such as "my initial experience" or elaborating on the specific event.

What's the difference between "My first time" and "It was my first time"?

"My first time" is a shorter, more direct way to refer to an initial experience, while "It was my first time" is a complete sentence that provides more context. For example, "My first time at the opera was unforgettable" versus "It was my first time at the opera, and I was amazed".