Try for the first time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Try for the first time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to attempt something they have never done before. Example: "I decided to try for the first time to bake a cake from scratch, and it turned out delicious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Computer experts are using the data to try, for the first time, to profile millions of voters, to figure out if they are worth contacting.

The New York Times

The aim of the ambitious space mission is to try, for the first time, to find and measure gravitational waves ripples in space-time predicted by Einstein's general theory of relativity.

The Economist

A1 Manhattan Car Crackdown A day after the mayor announced that the city would try, for the first time in 21 years, to tame traffic by prohibiting single-occupant cars from crossing into Midtown and Lower Manhattan on weekday mornings, many drivers said it was a sacrifice they were prepared to make, and they thought it made sense.

The New York Times

And a day after Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani announced that the city would try, for the first time in 21 years, to tame traffic by prohibiting single-occupant cars from crossing into Midtown and Lower Manhattan, drivers around the city found it hard to believe that this automotive right was, in fact, just a privilege that could be curtailed.

The New York Times

This means that, as users move about town on the go, they can see the places they have saved that they either wanted to try for the first time or couldn't wait to try again.

TechCrunch

But there is an option we could try for the first time: humility.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Next summer, Nyad will try, for the fourth time in her life, to swim the 103 miles from Cuba to Florida, where she grew up.

The New York Times - Magazine

Here, we report such a study that has been tried for the first time.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

The coupling of stream aquifer interaction and mechanical loading models was tried for the first time in this study.

Journal of Hydrology

Inadvertently, man is trying for the first time to learn how to make man a success.

The New Yorker

Substrate heating has been tried for the first time for the fabrication of carbon backed zirconium targets.

Vacuum

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context: in a formal context, "attempt for the first time" might be more appropriate than "give it a first shot".

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "first time trying for the first time", as it's redundant. Simply use "Try for the first time" to convey the novelty of the attempt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Try for the first time" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the novelty of an action or experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It emphasizes the initial attempt at something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Try for the first time" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, that indicates the initial attempt at an action or experience. While relatively uncommon, with 10 examples provided, it finds frequent usage in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, be mindful of potential redundancy and tailor your phrasing to the specific audience and context. Consider alternatives like "experience for the first time" or "attempt for the first time" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Experience for the first time

Focuses on the sensory or emotional aspect of the initial encounter.

Attempt for the first time

Emphasizes the action of making an initial effort.

Undertake for the first time

Highlights the commencement of a task or project.

Give it a first shot

More informal; emphasizes making an initial attempt or trial.

Venture into for the first time

Implies entering a new area or activity with a sense of exploration.

Inaugurate an attempt

More formal, emphasizing the beginning of an activity.

Embark on for the first time

Suggests starting a new journey or endeavor.

Pioneer the attempt of

Implies initiating something new and innovative.

Debut an effort

Highlights the first public presentation or attempt.

Launch an initial attempt

Emphasizes the act of starting something new with a sense of purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "Try for the first time" in a sentence?

You can use "Try for the first time" to describe an initial attempt at something. For example, "I decided to "try for the first time" to bake a cake from scratch, and it turned out delicious."

What are some alternatives to "Try for the first time"?

You can use alternatives like "experience for the first time", "attempt for the first time", or "give it a first shot" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "trying it for the first time"?

While not strictly incorrect, "trying it for the first time" can sometimes be redundant. Often, "trying it" already implies that it's a first attempt unless otherwise specified.

What's the difference between "Try for the first time" and "Experience for the first time"?

"Try for the first time" focuses on the effort and attempt, while "Experience for the first time" emphasizes the sensory or emotional aspect of the initial encounter. For example, you might "try for the first time" to play golf, and "experience for the first time" the feeling of hitting a perfect shot.