a first attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"a first attempt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You may use it when referring to the first attempt of an action or activity. For example: "My a first attempt at cooking resulted in an inedible dish!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not bad for a first attempt.

The Guardian - Music

That'll do for a first attempt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On a first attempt, workers cut that to 15 minutes.

The New York Times

A first attempt collapsed in 2004 amid corruption charges involving a proposed leasing deal with Boeing.

The New York Times

A first attempt to restore it was abandoned 17 years ago.

Independent

Tircis et Doristée (1756) may have been a first attempt at this genre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A first attempt by Sargon to recover Babylonia miscarried when Elam defeated him in 721.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is a first attempt at altering the scale," he added.

The New York Times - Science

"This is a first attempt at something that Oculus has funded as a storytelling device".

The Guardian - Tech

It's more or less a first attempt at this sort of thing.

The New York Times

This paper is a first attempt at such a framework.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "a first attempt", provide context about the outcome or what was learned from it to give the reader a more complete picture.

Common error

Avoid using "a first attempt" without providing any context about the outcome. Simply stating that something was a first attempt without mentioning its success or failure leaves the reader wondering about its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first attempt" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes an initial effort or try at something, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples showcasing its diverse applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a first attempt" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that denotes an initial effort or try. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While versatile, providing context about the outcome or significance of "a first attempt" enhances clarity. Related phrases like "an initial effort" or "a preliminary try" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial effort

Focuses on the effort made at the beginning, similar to "a first attempt".

a preliminary try

Highlights the exploratory nature of the first attempt.

an early endeavor

Emphasizes the beginning stage of an undertaking.

a maiden effort

Implies novelty and inexperience, akin to a "a first attempt".

a test run

Suggests a trial or experiment to see how something works.

a trial version

Common in software or product development, indicating an early, unrefined version.

an experimental effort

Highlights the exploratory and uncertain nature of the initial attempt.

a pioneering effort

Suggests venturing into new territory with the first attempt.

a basic version

Focuses on the simplicity and foundational nature of the first attempt.

an initial stab

Implies a quick, perhaps imperfect, first effort.

FAQs

How can I use "a first attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "a first attempt" to describe the initial try at something. For example, "Her "a first attempt" at baking a cake was not successful, but she learned a lot from it."

What are some alternatives to "a first attempt"?

Alternatives include "an initial effort", "a preliminary try", or "an early endeavor", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a first initial attempt"?

Yes, using both "first" and "initial" is redundant because they convey the same meaning. Stick to either ""a first attempt"" or "an initial attempt".

When is it appropriate to use "a first attempt" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a first attempt" when you want to emphasize that something is being tried for the first time, especially if you plan to discuss subsequent attempts or improvements.