a first description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first description" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing an initial account or overview of a subject or topic. Example: "In this report, we will provide a first description of the new software features that have been implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

(A first description of the RCM, modelling random-access channels only was provided in [25], and [26] briefly outlines the ideas of using clusters for time-variant channel modelling).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In this paper, a first description of these phenomena is given by formulating non-linear constitutive relations, in particular by introducing a non-constant Young's modulus Ec and piezo electric factor d31 in the case of a piezo beam system.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

A first description of the expression values showed two problems: censored values and values similar to background values.

Plosone

In summary, here we provide a first description of sex specific gene expression differences in human and murine kidneys under baseline and disease conditions.

Plosone

Here, we present a first description of a X. tropicalis cell line.

Genesis

The analysis described in this paper provides a first description of marriage and partnership patterns and trends in this population.

Demographic Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Deryk James, acting for the family, offered a second description for the cause of death: "Sudden death in a man with pulmonary embolism and squamous carcinoma of the bronchus during struggle against restraint".

The Guardian

A second description of natural law is: the first principles or starting points of practical reasoning.

SEP

A second description of a C ∗ -algebra, from an operator-theoretic point of view, is given here.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

In contrast to previous reports, we show that LMNB1 duplications can have a heterogeneous architecture with the first description of an inversion involving LMNB1.

Human Mutation

Here, we report the first description of a varicella outbreak in a refugee camp in a tropical region.

Conflict and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, clearly signal that you are offering "a first description" to acknowledge the potential for future research to build upon your findings.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a first description" as a comprehensive or definitive account. Doing so can undermine the credibility of your work if later research reveals inaccuracies or omissions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first description" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce an initial account, overview, or characterization of a subject. Ludwig shows examples from diverse scientific and news sources that demonstrate this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a first description" is a noun phrase used to introduce an initial account or overview of a topic. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in scientific and academic writing. While alternatives such as "an initial account" or "a preliminary overview" can be used, it's important to avoid overstating the comprehensiveness of the description. Utilizing this phrase sets the stage for further elaboration or analysis while acknowledging that the information provided is introductory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial account

Replaces "description" with "account" suggesting a narrative or explanation.

a preliminary overview

Substitutes "first" with "preliminary" and "description" with "overview", implying a brief and initial look.

an early depiction

Uses "early" instead of "first" and "depiction" instead of "description", focusing on a visual or representative portrayal.

a nascent explanation

Replaces "first" with "nascent", indicating something just beginning to develop, and "description" with "explanation".

a basic outline

Offers a simple and fundamental summary, using "outline" instead of "description".

a primary report

Emphasizes the reporting aspect, using "primary" to mean first in importance or sequence and "report" instead of "description".

an introductory summary

Highlights the summarization aspect and its introductory nature.

a starting characterization

Focuses on the act of characterizing something for the first time.

a fundamental representation

Stresses the representation aspect as being fundamental or basic.

a pioneering illustration

Conveys the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the description, using "pioneering" to highlight its novelty.

FAQs

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

You can use "a first description" to introduce an initial overview or account of a topic. For example, "This paper provides "a first description" of the newly discovered species".

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

You can use alternatives like "an initial account", "a preliminary overview", or "an early depiction" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when you are presenting an initial or early account of something, acknowledging that further details or refinements may follow. It's common in research papers, reports, and introductions to new topics.

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

"A first description" refers to the initial account or overview, while "a second description" implies a subsequent or alternative account, often building upon or contrasting with the first.