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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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a first outbreak of

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first outbreak of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initial occurrence of a disease, phenomenon, or event. Example: "The researchers documented a first outbreak of the virus in the remote village."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A first outbreak of carbapenemase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Germany has recently been reported, probably linked to an index patient with previous healthcare contact in Greece [ 16].

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

With a second outbreak of rebellion in 1838, LaFontaine was imprisoned but released without trial.

A second outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in Lancashire, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has said.

News & Media

The Guardian

Less than two years later, in December 2008, a second outbreak of the disease was confirmed in West Kasai.

The world's largest cruise ship was held in port for intensive cleaning after a second outbreak of gastrointestinal illness in two voyages sickened 108 people.

News & Media

The New York Times

In a second outbreak of E. coli in hamburger this fall, which officials traced to a Massachusetts meat company, 30 children were sickened by burgers served at a camp whose owner said he has taken hamburgers off the menu.

News & Media

The New York Times

And when a second outbreak of poisoning occurred four years after the first, Burke went on national TV to declare that J&J would only offer Tylenol in caplets, which could not be pulled apart and resealed without consumers knowing about it.

That changed during a second outbreak of turmoil in Myanmar, the Saffron Revolution of 2007, when she watched in horror on TV as soldiers gunned down protesting Buddhist monks in the streets.

Science & Research

Science Magazine

Bacon prices could be on their way up with news that a farm in Indiana has confirmed a second outbreak of a pig disease that has already killed off seven million swine in just over a year.

News & Media

Vice

For some parameter combinations, however, this plateau rises to form a second outbreak of minor intensity.

We describe the identification of Francisella tularensis biovar palaearctica in a second outbreak of ulceroglandular tularemia associated with crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) fishing in a contaminated freshwater stream distant from the hare-associated outbreak.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing public health or epidemiology, use "a first outbreak of" to clearly indicate the initial emergence of a disease or condition. For instance, "a first outbreak of" a novel virus.

Common error

Avoid using "a first outbreak of" when simply referring to an increase in existing cases. "Outbreak" implies a new and localized occurrence, not just a general rise in numbers.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first outbreak of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the initial instance or emergence of a phenomenon, typically a disease or other unwanted event. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a first outbreak of" accurately denotes the initial emergence of a phenomenon, commonly related to diseases or significant events. As validated by Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically sound and most prevalent in scientific and news contexts. While not exceedingly common, the phrase serves an important communicative function. Remember to differentiate between a true outbreak and a mere increase in existing cases, and consider alternatives like "an initial occurrence of" for semantic variation.

FAQs

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

Use "a first outbreak of" to describe the initial occurrence of a disease or phenomenon in a specific location or time period. For example, "The study documented a first outbreak of the new strain in the region."

What are some alternatives to "a first outbreak of"?

You can use alternatives like "an initial occurrence of", "the beginning of an epidemic", or "the onset of an event", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Check "an initial occurrence of" for more examples.

Is it appropriate to use "a first outbreak of" for non-disease-related events?

While primarily used for diseases, "a first outbreak of" can also describe the initial emergence of other phenomena, such as social unrest or technological trends, if the context is similar to a sudden and localized occurrence.

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

"A first outbreak of" refers to the very initial occurrence, while "a second outbreak of" indicates a recurrence after the initial one has subsided or been contained. The first marks the beginning, the second a resurgence.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: