a first system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first system" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial or primary system in a series or comparison of systems. Example: "In our research, we analyzed a first system to establish a baseline for our experiments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In a first system, a second direct injector is coupled with the standard Diesel direct injector and glow plug.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

The system is also progressing to a first system prototype concept, in which an actuation mechanism is integrated within the drill heads.

Advances in Space Research

A wide range of operational and accidental transients of the sub-critical reactor are simulated with the coupled model in order to obtain a first system response to a number of reactor elementary events at different subcriticality levels.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

There Lewis introduces a first system meant to capture the ordinary, strict sense of implication, guided by the idea that: "Unless 'implies' has some 'proper' meaning, there is no criterion of validity, no possibility even of arguing the question whether there is one or not.

SEP

A first system Monday didn't amount to much after it ran into dry air out of the mountains, but three more storms are targeting California on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Patzert said.

Los Angeles Times

A first system used a spatially and temporally incoherent light source, an external Michelson interferometer, a distal Linnik interferometer at the end of an optical fiber, and a fiber bundle for 2-D image collection [ 9].

Biomedical Optics Express

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A second system uses harbor water.

The New Yorker

Ontario plans to test a third system, probably west of Ottawa.

The New York Times

During summer a third system occurs over Southeast Asia, India, the Arabian Sea, and tropical Africa.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet if there has been a sixth system, it has been a much messier proposition than the earlier ones.

The New York Times

And then, once you get the hang of that, you develop a third system for getting your hand tattoos removed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a series of systems or methodologies, use "a first system" to clearly indicate the starting point or initial method being discussed. This helps in structuring information logically for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a first system" without clearly defining what constitutes the subsequent systems or alternatives. Ensure there's a logical progression or comparison to warrant the use of "first" in this context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first system" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces or identifies an initial or primary method, setup, or approach within a broader context or sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a first system" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that serves to introduce an initial method, setup, or approach. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in science and news media contexts, with a neutral register. While not extremely frequent, its use is appropriate when outlining a series or sequence of systems. When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context makes clear what other systems or alternatives exist in relation to this "first system". Alternatives like "an initial system" or "a primary system" can provide similar meaning with slight shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial system

Replaces "first" with "initial", emphasizing the beginning stage of the system.

a primary system

Substitutes "first" with "primary", highlighting the main or most important system.

the original system

Emphasizes that the system is the one from which others are derived.

the pilot system

Implies the system is a test or trial version before full implementation.

a basic system

Suggests the system is simple or fundamental.

a starting system

Focuses on the initiation or commencement of the system.

a preliminary system

Suggests the system is an early or preparatory version.

the introductory system

Highlights the system's role as an introduction or entry point.

a prototype system

Specifies the system is a model built for testing purposes.

an elementary system

Indicates the system is simple and fundamental in nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "a first system" to introduce the initial method or setup in a series of processes. For example, "A first system used a spatially and temporally incoherent light source..."

What are some alternatives to "a first system"?

Alternatives include "an initial system", "a primary system", or "the original system", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a first system"?

While it might seem redundant, "a first system" is used to clearly demarcate the beginning of a sequence or comparison of systems, especially when further systems will be discussed.

How does "a first system" differ from "the first system"?

"A first system" implies one of several possible systems, while "the first system" indicates a specific, already defined system being referenced. The choice depends on the context and whether you're introducing a new system or referring to a known one.