a first notion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first notion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing an initial idea or concept about a particular subject or topic. Example: "In this paper, we will explore a first notion of how climate change impacts biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A third notion of reductionism is more metaphysical in focus than either the conceptual or theoretical ideas reviewed so far.

SEP

Some scholars think that Plato needs a second notion of negation in addition to difference (understood as distinctness or non-identity), such as incompatibility, to accommodate negative predication.

SEP

Clarke also entertains a third notion of freedom: freedom is "a principle of acting, or power of beginning motion, which is the idea of liberty" (D 54, W 2.553).

SEP

Act Utilitarians employ yet a third notion of moral considerability, which is a matter of having one's interests (e.g., the intensity, duration, etc. of one's pleasure or pain) factored into the calculus to determine which action minimizes the bad and maximizes the good.

SEP

A third notion, that of treatment differentiation, refers to whether the distinctiveness of the psychological treatment was maintained by not including extraneous and possibly proscribed elements.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

But none of the evidence so far available – whether from the ONS, surveys or retailers – is consistent with a third notion: that the shock of the referendum would send the economy spiralling straight into recession.

The Guardian - Business

If (A) is interpreted using this first notion of simulation, it entails that everything in the universe is a digital computing system.

SEP

Efficiency solely enters in a second step, where this first notion of optimality is shown to be equivalent to optimality in terms of nonlinear approximation classes which include best approximation error plus data approximation terms  [15].

Computers and Mathematics with Applications

Historically, the first notion of an enhancement was suggested by Grothendieck [23], based on his idea of a derivator.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

First, notions of what it means to age need to align with 21st century longevity.

HuffPost

Darwin [4] laid out the first notions of how evolution of traits by preference could occur.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a first notion of" to clearly indicate that the concept being presented is subject to further refinement or development. This is particularly useful in academic or scientific writing where ideas evolve.

Common error

Avoid using "a first notion of" as a substitute for thorough analysis. While it's useful for introductions, ensure that the initial notion is properly expanded upon and supported with evidence. Failing to do so can lead to misinterpretations or superficial understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first notion of" functions as an introductory qualifier, signaling that the information presented is a basic or preliminary understanding of a particular subject. It is used to frame the concept as an initial step in comprehension. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a first notion of" is a phrase used to introduce a fundamental or preliminary understanding of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It serves to manage expectations by signaling that the information provided is a simplified starting point, suitable for academic and scientific contexts. While there were no exact matches, similar examples suggest its role in framing complex topics in an accessible manner. When using this phrase, ensure that the initial notion is expanded upon to avoid oversimplification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial concept of

Replaces "first notion" with "initial concept", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

a preliminary idea of

Substitutes "first notion" with "preliminary idea", suggesting an early or undeveloped thought.

an early understanding of

Replaces the noun "notion" with "understanding", focusing on comprehension rather than a simple idea.

the basic idea of

Uses "basic idea" instead of "first notion", emphasizing the fundamental aspect of the concept.

a nascent concept of

Replaces "first" with "nascent", indicating that the concept is just beginning to develop.

an introductory view of

Uses "introductory view" to suggest a basic or initial perspective on a subject.

the foundational principle of

Highlights the fundamental nature of the concept, positioning it as a basis for further understanding.

a rudimentary grasp of

Indicates a basic or imperfect understanding, suitable when the concept is not fully formed.

a starting point for understanding

Focuses on the role of the notion as an initial step in a learning process.

the conceptual basis for

Emphasizes the role of the notion as a foundation for a conceptual framework.

FAQs

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

You can use "a first notion of" to introduce a basic understanding or initial concept about a topic. For example, "A first notion of quantum physics involves understanding wave-particle duality".

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

Similar phrases include "an initial concept of", "a preliminary idea of", or "an early understanding of", all of which suggest an introductory level of comprehension.

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

Yes, "a first notion of" is appropriate in formal writing when you intend to present a concept in its basic or introductory form. It signals that the explanation is simplified and may require further elaboration.

What's the difference between "a first notion of" and "the complete understanding of"?

"A first notion of" implies a basic, initial grasp of a subject, while "the complete understanding of" suggests a thorough and comprehensive knowledge. The former is introductory, and the latter is advanced.