a first cut

USAGE SUMMARY

"a first cut" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when referring to the first iteration of a plan, project, task, etc. Example: We just completed a first cut of the budget, but we'll need to review it again to make sure we haven't overlooked anything.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Well, here's a first cut.

The New York Times

A first cut at the data, looking at the Jan . 27-29poll alone, suggests no.

The New York Times

But that could only be a first cut, and eventually human judgment has to be involved.

The New Yorker

So, at a first cut, the decision to drill seems an economic no-brainer.

The New York Times

"We looked at a first cut of our draft budget," Nichols said last night.

The New York Times - Sports

My assistant, Winter Miller, is making a first cut, based on various criteria that I've supplied.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

He strolls out like a slweepwalker--Side A, second cut".

The New Yorker

They present a first cut-based integer programming formulation.

Computers and Operations Research

A first cut-off point was used to decide whether a patient had responded sufficiently following a treatment-specific time interval.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

A first cut-off point (related to a smaller factor than the overall factor T) serves to decide whether a patient has responded sufficiently following a treatment-specific time interval.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

A fourth cut into retirement savings 23 percent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a first cut", clearly indicate that further revisions or refinements are expected. This manages expectations and highlights the iterative nature of the process.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a first cut" as a finished product. Ensure that the context reflects its preliminary status to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first cut" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a modifier to describe a process, document, or analysis that is in its initial stage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a first cut" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies an initial version or attempt. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is well-established and understood in English. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, it is suitable for both neutral and professional communication. When using this phrase, it's best practice to manage expectations by explicitly acknowledging its preliminary nature. Related phrases, like "initial draft" or "preliminary version", can be used as alternatives to convey a similar meaning. Ultimately, "a first cut" serves as an effective way to indicate that the presented material is a starting point for further development and refinement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial draft

Focuses on the preliminary version of a document or plan.

a preliminary version

Emphasizes the early and potentially incomplete nature of the version.

a rough estimate

Highlights that the calculation is approximate and subject to refinement.

a trial run

Suggests a practice or test to evaluate something before finalization.

a first attempt

Emphasizes the act of trying something for the first time.

a starting point

Highlights the beginning stage of a process.

an initial assessment

Focuses on the preliminary evaluation of something.

a basic outline

Indicates a simplified structure providing the essential elements.

an early iteration

Stresses that it is one of the first versions of a repeated process.

a primary selection

The first and likely to be revised compilation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a first cut" to describe an initial version or attempt, as in, "Here's "a first cut at the data", further analysis is needed" or "The director presented "a first cut of the film" for initial feedback".

What's a good alternative to "a first cut"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "an initial draft", "a preliminary version", or "a rough estimate". Choose the phrase that best reflects the level of refinement and purpose of the initial attempt.

Is it appropriate to use "a first cut" in formal writing?

Yes, "a first cut" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business, scientific, or news contexts. It clearly conveys the idea of a preliminary version or analysis that is subject to further development.

What does "a first cut" typically imply?

It typically implies that the presented material is not final and will undergo further revisions, improvements, or analysis. It sets the expectation that what is being shown is a starting point, not a conclusive result.