a first round of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first round of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial phase or stage of a process, event, or competition. Example: "We will conduct a first round of interviews next week to select candidates for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A first round of talks was postponed.

The Economist

A first round of entries was thrown out.

The Guardian

Last year, Greece's foreign lenders imposed austerity measures after they provided a first round of aid.

The New York Times

In a first round of hearings last month, lawyers represented groups of families and children.

The New York Times

In April, Mr. Drudge scored exclusive access to a first round of Clinton fund-raising figures.

The New York Times

Six people, five of them foreigners, were shot in a first round of executions in January.

The Guardian

Access Integrated Technologies concluded a first round of 3,740 theater conversions last year.

The New York Times

Faced with mounting losses in the 1990s, China undertook a first round of drastic reforms of its state-owned companies.

The Economist

But after a first round of talks between the coalition partners the chancellor has reaffirmed his message.

The Economist

Valdas Adamkus, who lost to Mr Paksas in 2003, won a first round of voting to succeed him.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

RAMBUS -- We had no difficulty raising our Series A [first round of capital financing].

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a multi-stage process, use "a first round of" to clearly indicate the initial phase, setting expectations for subsequent stages.

Common error

Avoid using "a first round of" when referring to a single, isolated event. It implies a sequence or series of actions, so ensure the context supports this.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first round of" functions as a determiner and noun phrase, typically followed by a noun indicating the activity or process being initiated. It specifies the beginning stage of a series of actions, events, or processes. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

49%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a first round of" is a versatile expression used to denote the initial phase of a process, event, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and business. It's important to use this phrase when subsequent rounds or phases are implied. Alternatives like "an initial stage of" or "a preliminary phase of" can be considered depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial stage of

Focuses on the beginning phase, emphasizing the commencement of a process.

a preliminary phase of

Highlights the preparatory nature of the initial action.

the opening phase of

Emphasizes the start or commencement of something.

the first phase in

Identifies the initial step within a sequence.

an early stage of

Stresses that the action is occurring in the initial period.

the first part of

Divides the action into segments, emphasizing the initial section.

the beginning of

Highlights the commencement or initiation of the event.

a trial run of

Implies a test or experimental implementation before the full action.

a pilot phase of

Focuses on the experimental implementation of the action.

a preliminary version of

Highlights the initial form or iteration of the action.

FAQs

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

Use "a first round of" to indicate the beginning phase in a series of actions. For example, "In "a first round of interviews", we assess basic qualifications."

What's a good alternative to "a first round of"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "an initial stage of", "a preliminary phase of", or "the opening phase of".

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

Yes, "a first round of" is appropriate for formal writing. It's commonly used in news articles, scientific papers, and business reports, as seen in examples from The New York Times, Science Magazine, and Unicef.

What does "a first round of" imply about subsequent actions?

"A first round of" suggests that there will be subsequent rounds or stages. If there are no planned follow-ups, consider using a different phrase, such as "an initial attempt".