a first installment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first installment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial part of a series of payments or contributions. Example: "The project will be funded in three phases, with a first installment due at the beginning of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

And this was widely regarded as only a first installment.

The New York Times

A quarter of a million federal workers — as a first installment — joining those unemployed.

The New Yorker

A week later, a first installment had arrived, by Federal Express, but she was expecting more.

The New Yorker

Forced laborers are entitled to $1,958, with 35percentt as a first installment.

The New York Times

He said the financial aid was only a first installment and would grow over the coming year.

The New York Times

The House approved a first installment of only $400 million, not the $500 million requested by the White House.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Kurt Russell, who stars in "Furious 7," has also been talked about as being a part of an eighth installment.

Huffington Post

Will there be a third installment?

The New York Times - Books

A second installment, "First Loves," appeared in 2003.

The New York Times

The label recently started a similar project with Johnny Cash, with a third installment due next month.

The New York Times - Arts

Well there's also a fourth installment for the creepy co-op  shooter.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a first installment" when you want to emphasize that this is the beginning of a series of payments, deliveries, or actions. It sets the expectation for future installments.

Common error

Avoid using "a first installment" if there are no plans for subsequent installments. Use terms like "one-time payment" or "initial investment" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first installment" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies the initial payment, delivery, or action in a series, indicating that it is the first of potentially several such events. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a first installment" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that denotes the initial part of something provided over time, be it a payment, delivery, or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is appropriate in a wide range of contexts. Its frequency is categorized as common, particularly within News & Media. When using the phrase, ensure there's a clear understanding or expectation of subsequent installments. Related phrases include "an initial payment" and "the initial contribution", though these may slightly alter the nuance. The formality is generally neutral, making it suitable for both professional and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial payment

Replaces 'installment' with 'payment', emphasizing the financial aspect.

a first payment

Simplifies the phrase using 'payment' instead of 'installment'.

an advance payment

Suggests the payment is made ahead of schedule or before it is due.

the initial contribution

Uses 'contribution' to highlight the act of giving or providing something initially.

a preliminary deposit

Emphasizes the early stage nature and the action of placing money.

a partial payment

Highlights that only a portion of the total amount is being paid.

the down payment

Specifically refers to the initial payment made when purchasing something on credit.

the first allocation

Focuses on the act of distributing or assigning something for the first time.

the opening gambit

Metaphorically uses a chess term to describe an initial move or action.

a trial balloon

Indicates an initial test or tentative action to gauge reaction.

FAQs

What does "a first installment" mean?

The term "a first installment" refers to the initial part or payment of a series. It implies that there will be subsequent installments to follow.

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

You can use alternatives like "an initial payment", "a first payment", or "the initial contribution", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the first installment"?

Yes, "the first installment" is grammatically correct. Using "the" specifies a particular first installment, while "a" refers to any first installment in a series.

When is it appropriate to use "a first installment" in a sentence?

Use "a first installment" when you are referring to the beginning of a series of payments, deliveries, or actions, and you want to indicate that more will follow. For example, "This is a first installment of our commitment to support education".