a first opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial assessment or viewpoint on a particular matter or issue. Example: "Before making a final decision, I would like to hear a first opinion from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Think of it this way; our vets act as a first opinion GP," he tells TechCrunch.

TechCrunch

Like its name, it's an easy way to get a first opinion or response from a doctor on those nagging health issues, especially for moms and for children's health questions and link up with a doctor permanently — if you like them.

TechCrunch

Fortunately, that shouldn't be necessary because I recently got a first opinion from my doctor, who not only said I probably won't die in the next five years, but predicted I will live to be 151.

Huffington Post

Patients with TB, especially those from an African cultural background, would commonly seek a first opinion from traditional healers, resulting in the late uptake of hospital care.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A second opinion was needed.

The New Yorker

I sought a second opinion.

The New York Times - Health

You get a second opinion.

The New Yorker

Still, he wanted a second opinion.

The New Yorker

She asks for a second opinion.

The New York Times

We need to get a second opinion.

The New York Times

Should she have gotten a third opinion?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking multiple opinions, use "a first opinion" to specifically refer to the initial assessment, contrasting it with subsequent opinions like "a second opinion" or "a third opinion".

Common error

Avoid using "a first opinion" when "a second opinion" is more appropriate. "A first opinion" is specifically for the initial evaluation, not a subsequent one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first opinion" functions as a noun phrase, serving to identify an initial viewpoint or assessment of something. Ludwig Examples shows the usage of "a first opinion" in the medical field and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a first opinion" is grammatically correct but rarely used, as shown by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase denoting an initial assessment or viewpoint. While its usage spans across News & Media and Science, it's crucial to distinguish it from "a second opinion", which refers to a subsequent evaluation. Ludwig AI shows it can be replaced by phrases such as "an initial assessment" or "a preliminary view" depending on the context to improve writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial assessment

Replaces "opinion" with a more formal term, focusing on the evaluation aspect.

a preliminary view

Emphasizes the tentative and early nature of the opinion.

an opening perspective

Highlights the idea of a new or initial viewpoint.

a starting evaluation

Focuses on the beginning stage of the evaluation process.

a primary judgment

Stresses the fundamental or initial nature of the judgment.

an early impression

Highlights the formation of an opinion based on initial exposure.

a first glance

Implies a quick, initial assessment.

an initial reaction

Focuses on the immediate response or feeling.

a basic assessment

Suggests a simple or fundamental evaluation.

an introductory take

Indicates an initial or preliminary viewpoint.

FAQs

How to use "a first opinion" in a sentence?

You can use "a first opinion" to refer to an initial assessment or viewpoint. For example, "The doctor provided a first opinion, but I'd like a second one before making a decision."

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

You can use alternatives like "an initial assessment", "a preliminary view", or "an opening perspective" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a first opinion" or "a second opinion"?

Both phrases are correct, but they refer to different points in the evaluation process. "A first opinion" refers to the initial assessment, while "a second opinion" refers to a subsequent evaluation.

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

"A first opinion" denotes the original or initial assessment, whereas "a second opinion" implies a subsequent or alternative evaluation, often sought for confirmation or clarification.