a first ascent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first ascent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of climbing or mountaineering to refer to the first successful climb of a particular route or peak. Example: "The team celebrated their achievement after completing a first ascent of the previously unclimbed mountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Do a first ascent.

Independent

She then began exploring South America for a peak on which she could make a first ascent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The same team went to Tajikistan in 2013 and achieved a first ascent of what is now "Mount Christopher Ward".

The Guardian - Opinion

More than 200 established climbing routes exist, and many dozens more, according to Mr. Parent, stand unclimbed and ready for a first ascent.

The New York Times - Travel

When he falls on a first ascent on the huge cliffs of Scotland's Strone Ulladale, shredding his ropes, you fall with him.

The Guardian - Sport

Two days later, a future tenant of the building suggested to Steck that the two of them climb to the top of it and make a viable claim to a first ascent.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But that didn't deter the physicist from making a second ascent the following year, in which he broke the 10-mile mark.

The Guardian

Razmik made his way down, only to ask his mom permission to make a third ascent, which was granted.

Los Angeles Times

Sophie made a second ascent with Blanchard and for her third ascent on 18 August 1805, she flew solo from the garden of the Cloister of the Jacobins in Toulouse.

Wikipedia

An 850-foot route called Stratosphere, for example, was climbed on a first-ascent trip.

The New York Times - Travel

Two weeks later, DiGiulian notched a second first ascent — lingo for the first successful completion of a route — in Montagu, another South African climbing hotspot, and dubbed that route Miss-Behaving.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about climbing achievements, use "a first ascent" to specifically denote the initial successful climb of a route or peak. It adds precision and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a first ascent" when you mean the quickest time to climb a route. "A first ascent" refers to the initial successful climb, not the speed of subsequent climbs.

Linguistic Context

A first ascent" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a specific type of climbing achievement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

14%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a first ascent" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase referring to the initial successful climb of a route or peak. Ludwig examples demonstrate its prevalence in news, encyclopedias and academic contexts, indicating a neutral register. When writing, remember that it describes the first completion, not subsequent climbs or speed records. Related phrases include "the initial climb" and "the maiden ascent". Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and widespread applicability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the original ascent

Simple substitution that keeps the original meaning but sounds slightly more common.

the initial climb

Focuses on the action of climbing, emphasizing its beginning.

the maiden ascent

Emphasizes the newness and untouched nature of the climb.

the inaugural ascent

Highlights the event as the first of its kind, more formal.

the pioneering climb

Stresses the innovative and exploratory nature of the ascent.

first traverse

Implies a crossing or passage in addition to the initial climb.

unprecedented climb

Focuses on the uniqueness and lack of prior attempts.

groundbreaking climb

Focuses on the innovative and precedent-setting nature of the ascent.

virgin climb

Highlights that no one has ever climbed it before, and it's the first time that the mountain has been climbed.

the first successful climb

Highlights the success of the initial attempt.

FAQs

What does "a first ascent" mean in climbing?

In climbing, "a first ascent" refers to the initial successful climb of a route or peak. It signifies that no one has previously completed that particular climb.

How to use "a first ascent" in a sentence?

You can use "a first ascent" in a sentence like this: "The team celebrated their achievement after completing "a first ascent" of the previously unclimbed mountain."

What can I say instead of "a first ascent"?

You can use alternatives like "the initial climb", "the maiden ascent", or "the inaugural ascent" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a first ascent" and a regular climb?

"A first ascent" indicates the very first time a climb is successfully completed, whereas a regular climb refers to any subsequent ascent of the same route or peak.