a first student

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first student" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial student in a sequence or group, often in educational contexts. Example: "In our new program, a first student will be selected to lead the orientation session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A first student house is an extremely daunting prospect; bills, shopping, maintenance and the sudden freedom.

Independent

A first student would provide an answer and others would agree or disagree by a show of hands.

International Journal of STEM Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Yes," said a third student.

The New York Times

A second student came in.

The New York Times - Magazine

A second student, Zhao, was unsparing.

The New York Times

A third student, Robert Maillet, joins them at a cafe.

The New Yorker

A second student was shot in the wrist.

The New York Times

A third student had been beaten up by her boyfriend.

The New York Times

"That's all right!" He went to a third student, then a fourth.

The New Yorker

A third student who was wounded, Shazia Ramzan, is at a hospital in Peshawar.

The New York Times

The next day, a second student's letter appeared, on the subject of a 9/11 memorial.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a first student", ensure the context clearly indicates the sequential or introductory nature of the student being referenced. For example, "a first student" selected for a scholarship, indicates this student will be the first of more to come.

Common error

Avoid using "a first student" when you mean "the first student" if you are referring to a specific, already identified individual. "A first student" suggests an initial or representative member of a larger group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first student" functions primarily as a noun phrase, modifying the noun "student" with the adjective "first". This indicates the student is the initial one in a sequence, group, or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

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 student" is a grammatically correct, though relatively rare, expression used to denote the initial student in a sequence or group. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to identify a student's position, often in educational or news contexts. Alternative phrases, such as "an initial student" or "a new student", can provide similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding whether you are referring to a representative student or a specific individual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the first student

Uses "the" instead of "a", indicating a specific student already identified.

an initial student

Replaces 'first' with 'initial', emphasizing the beginning of a sequence.

a new student

Focuses on the student being new or recently introduced.

a beginning student

Highlights the student's beginner status in a subject or program.

a novice student

Emphasizes the student's lack of experience.

a freshman student

Specifically refers to a first-year student in college or high school.

the lead student

Emphasizes the role of leading within a context of other students

an inaugural student

Highlights the student's role as part of an initial group or class.

a pioneering student

Emphasizes the student's role as a trailblazer or innovator.

a primary student

Focuses on the student being a central or main figure.

FAQs

How can I use "a first student" in a sentence?

You can use "a first student" to refer to the initial student in a sequence or group, such as "a first student to enroll" or "a first student to receive the award".

What's the difference between "a first student" and "the first student"?

"A first student" implies one of many to come, while "the first student" refers to a specific student already identified or known in the context.

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an initial student", "a new student", or "a beginning student".

Is "a first student" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a first student" is grammatically correct when used to indicate the first member of a set or sequence of students, as Ludwig AI also confirms. For example, it is correct to say, "a first student selected for the program".