a first match of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first match of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial occurrence of a competitive event, such as a game or contest. Example: "The team is excited to prepare for a first match of the season against their rivals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"For a first match of the year, that was a perfect match in many ways to go through some tough moments, a lot of long rallies, close games, and important points," Murray said.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Before which there is the prospect in May of a first match against the Republic of Ireland on English soil since 1985 and a first meeting anywhere since 1995, when the match was abandoned due to rioting in the stands.

The Guardian - Sport

Manchester City 3, Stoke City 0 Sergio Agüero endured a bittersweet first match of 2013 for Manchester City, rounding off the scoring in a victory over Stoke before going off injured.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a remarkable first match of the European Championship.

BBC

Because this is a new year, a new dawn, the first match of 2016, and, surely, the start of the greatest "great escape" in footballing history.

Independent

And no matter how much you practice you always feel a little rusty in your first match of a tournament.

The New York Times

When he broke a hand in the first match of the national Under-18 carnival, he was replaced at centre half back by future Geelong star Matthew Scarlett.

The Guardian - Sport

Stephen Kearney's side will have to improve their defence if they are going to keep Australia at bay, with the Kangaroos also not conceding a try since the first match of the tournament, against England.

The Guardian - Sport

CLUB In France, Olympique Lyon, which has won the Ligue 1 title seven years in a row, lost its first match of the season, 3-0, to Rennes on Sunday on three goals by the 35-year-old striker Mickael Pagis.

The New York Times

National selector James Whitaker admits he is "some way off" knowing England's best Test team, less than a month before the first match of the summer.

BBC

However, reigning women's singles champion Serena Williams has not been told to change her footwear for future rounds despite wearing trainers with orange trims, heels and a logo in her first match of this year's event against Mandy Minella.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sports or competitions, use "a first match of" to clearly indicate the initial game or event in a series or season. This provides clarity and sets the context for subsequent events.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "a first match of" within close proximity in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "opening game" or "inaugural contest" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first match of" functions as a noun phrase adjunct, modifying another noun to specify the initial game or event in a series, season, or tournament. Ludwig AI confirms this with its analysis of examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a first match of" is a common phrase used to denote the beginning of a series, season, or tournament. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for diverse contexts. Its frequent use in news and media outlets indicates a neutral register. To enhance writing, consider varying the phrasing with alternatives like "opening game" or "inaugural contest" and be mindful of overuse. The phrase is widely understood and serves to clearly establish the start of a competitive sequence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the inaugural game of

Emphasizes the beginning or launch of a series of games.

the opening contest of

Highlights the competitive aspect and the start of a series.

the initial fixture of

Focuses on a scheduled event at the beginning.

the season's first game

Specifically relates to the beginning of a sports season.

the premier match of

Emphasizes importance and being the first in a set.

the debut game of

Highlights that it is the first appearance or showing.

the starting round of

Relates to the beginning of a tournament or competition phase.

the opening day's match

Focuses on a match happening on the first day of an event.

the leadoff game of

Commonly used in baseball, indicating the game that starts a series.

the curtain-raiser for

Suggests the start or introduction to something bigger.

FAQs

How can I use "a first match of" in a sentence?

You can use "a first match of" to refer to the opening game in a series, season, or tournament. For example, "The team is preparing for "a first match of" the season."

What phrases are similar to "a first match of"?

Similar phrases include "opening game", "inaugural contest", or "initial fixture", all indicating the beginning of a series or event.

Is it more correct to say "first match of" or "opening match of"?

Both "first match of" and "opening match of" are correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What is the difference between "a first match of" and "a second match of"?

"A first match of" refers to the initial game or event, while "a second match of" refers to the subsequent game in a series or tournament.