a first bid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first bid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to auctions, negotiations, or proposals where an initial offer is being made. Example: "The company submitted a first bid for the contract, hoping to secure the project before competitors could respond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In 2011, Tom became Conchita and made a first bid for Eurovision.

The Guardian - Music

The tactic could also be considered in a first bid, where, for example, a bidder puts an attractive offer on the table but is unwilling to proceed in the face of opposition from a large shareholder.

The New York Times

A first bid for the LSE by Deutsche Börse in 2000, and the German exchange's approach in 2004 to SWX, a Swiss stock and derivatives exchange group, both collapsed.

The Economist

In analyzing why bidders often reacted differently to two similar or identical listings, Dr. Dholakia noticed that as soon as a first bid was placed, it could set off a chain reaction that drove up the price.

The New York Times - Tech

While it is thought the club had a first bid of £35m turned down a few days ago, if the £47m offer is accepted by Wolfsburg it would take City's total spend to £117m in the current window.

The Guardian - Sport

For the chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, who has long pushed the Conservative Party to adopt an aggressive deficit-cutting strategy, the menu of restrictions, freezes and spending reversals is a first bid to convince a still uncertain public that Britain needs to be in tune with the budget-cutting in Greece, Portugal, Spain and other parts of Europe.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Farage, an MEP and on-again-off-again leader of Ukip for a decade, recently suggested he could launch an eighth bid to become an MP.

The Guardian

Udall lost a second bid in 1988.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He staged a second bid in 2010 and won.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bids start at £50, with a second bid at £75, a third at £100 and a fourth bid at £150.

The Guardian - Arts

On Monday several analysts predicted that Lowe's might return with a third bid for Rona.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a first bid" in business or legal contexts, ensure it is clearly documented and communicated to avoid misunderstandings. State clearly any conditions attached to this initial offer.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a first bid" as a definitive agreement. Clarify that it is an initial proposal open for negotiation, not a binding commitment. Failing to distinguish this can lead to legal disputes and damaged relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first bid" primarily functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly identifies an initial offer, especially in contexts like auctions or negotiations. It sets the stage for subsequent actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a first bid" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote an initial offer in a negotiation or transaction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability. Its usage, while not extremely common, appears across various contexts, most notably in news and media reports. While generally neutral, its association with business and legal matters suggests that it leans more toward professional use. When writing, ensure the context clarifies that this bid is preliminary and subject to change, avoiding any confusion with a final, binding offer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the opening offer

Directly replaces 'first bid' with 'opening offer', a very similar and commonly used phrase.

an initial offer

Replaces 'bid' with a more general term 'offer' and uses 'initial' instead of 'first'.

a maiden bid

Uses 'maiden' to indicate the first or initial nature of the bid.

a preliminary proposal

Substitutes 'bid' with 'proposal', emphasizing the early and tentative nature of the offer.

a tentative bid

Emphasizes the uncertainty and potential for adjustment in the initial offer.

an opening gambit

Uses a more figurative term, suggesting the first move in a negotiation or strategic situation.

the starting price

Focuses on the numerical aspect, implying the lowest acceptable offer in an auction or sale.

an exploratory tender

Highlights the investigative aspect, suggesting the bid is made to gauge the other party's interest.

the initial stake

Implies that the "first bid" is the beginning of a larger transaction or commitment.

a baseline proposal

Suggests that the "first bid" sets the minimum standard or expectation for future negotiations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a first bid" to describe an initial offer in negotiations, auctions, or proposals. For example, "The company submitted "a first bid" for the project, hoping to secure the contract."

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

You can use alternatives like "an initial offer", "a preliminary proposal", or "the opening offer" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the first bid" instead of "a first bid"?

Both "a first bid" and "the first bid" can be correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A first bid" refers to an initial offer, while "the first bid" implies it is the actual initial bid that was made in a specific situation.

What's the difference between "a first bid" and "a second bid"?

"A first bid" refers to the initial offer or proposal, whereas "a second bid" implies a subsequent offer, often made after the first was rejected or considered insufficient.