a first piece of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first piece of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing an initial item or example in a series or discussion. Example: "This is a first piece of evidence that supports our hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Eve Pigg, Peterborough A First piece of advice Eve, stop making two and two make five.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a first piece of work, it was absolutely seminal.

The Guardian

It was also a first piece of silverware for Ronaldo since he swapped Real Madrid for Juventus last summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Casino Drive, following the same idea regarding the number of days after a race before doing a first piece of work, will most likely work early this week.

The New York Times

In the case of Inverness, in the year of their 21st birthday, this flagship occasion and opportunity to claim what would be a first piece of major silverware could hardly be more timely.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Dundee 0-1 Inverness | Scottish Premiership match report In the case of Inverness, in the year of their 21st birthday, this flagship occasion and opportunity to claim what would be a first piece of major silverware could hardly be more timely.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A peck on the positive stimulus (S+) was rewarded by the delivery of an eighth piece of a peanut into the touchscreen reward tray.

Animal Behaviour

Meanwhile, a third piece of the puzzle is genetics.

The New York Times - Science

A third piece of foil becomes the lid.

The New York Times

Sometimes, the master builders slapped a second piece of finished concrete on top of the first.

The New Yorker

A third piece of the puzzle was a gift from Nickelodeon, which started to sputter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a first piece of" to introduce an initial element or achievement, providing context for what follows.

Common error

Avoid using "a first piece of" in contexts where a more specific term would be more appropriate, such as using "initial data" instead of "a first piece of data" when discussing research findings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first piece of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the initial or earliest instance of something. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a first piece of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an initial element, achievement, or piece of evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and sports contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While alternatives like ""a prime piece of"" or ""a first evidence of"" can be used, the specific context should guide the choice to maintain precision. When using this phrase, ensure it appropriately introduces an initial element and avoids overusing it in place of more specific vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a first evidence of

Focuses specifically on the initial presentation of proof or support.

a prime piece of

Emphasizes the high quality or importance of the initial element.

a first slice of

Implies a partial or representative experience or sample from the beginning.

a first picture of

Highlights the initial understanding or impression formed.

a first selection of

Denotes an initial curated collection or choice.

a first announcement of

Signifies the initial declaration or revelation of information.

a first instalment of

Suggests the initial part of a series or ongoing provision.

a second piece of

Indicates a subsequent item, often in comparison or contrast to the first.

a primary piece of

Highlights the fundamental or essential nature of the initial element.

a former piece of

Indicates something previously held or part of something else.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a first piece of" in a sentence?

Use "a first piece of" to introduce an initial element, achievement, or evidence within a broader context. For example, "This study offers "a first piece of" evidence supporting the new policy."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a prime piece of", "a first evidence of", or "a first instalment of".

Is "a first piece of" formal or informal language?

"A first piece of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal writing, depending on the surrounding vocabulary and context.

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

"A first piece of" refers to the initial element or achievement, while "a second piece of" indicates a subsequent or additional element that follows the first.