a first time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial occurrence of an event or experience. Example: "I remember a first time I tried sushi; it was an unforgettable experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

THERE'S a first time for everything.

Forbes

Patrick Chauvel had a first time.

The New York Times

But there's always a first time.

The Economist

There is always, unavoidably, a first time.

The New Yorker

Jim Nachtwey and Don McCullin had a first time.

The New York Times

Danny: "There's always a first time.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Ms. Locke is a first-time novelist.

The New York Times

Senegal is also a first-time qualifier.

The Economist

I'm a first-time caller".

The New Yorker

Saeed Jalili is a first-time candidate.

The Guardian

"I was a first-time playwright.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a first time" to emphasize novelty or lack of prior experience with something. For example, "It's always exciting experiencing a first time in a new place."

Common error

Avoid using "a first time" redundantly within a sentence. For example, instead of saying "It was a first time, and I felt first-time jitters", try "It was my first time, and I felt nervous."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first time" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It describes the initial occurrence of an event or experience. Examples from Ludwig illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a first time" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote the initial occurrence of an event or experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to highlight novelty and is versatile across various registers, though most frequently encountered in News & Media. To enhance your writing, avoid redundant usage and consider alternatives like "an initial experience" or "a debut" for nuanced expression. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "a first time" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial experience

Replaces 'time' with 'experience' emphasizing the event.

a debut

Conveys the meaning of a first public appearance or performance.

an inaugural moment

Replaces 'time' with 'moment', adding a sense of importance.

a maiden voyage

Metaphorically refers to a first attempt or undertaking.

a premiere

Commonly used for the first showing of a film or play, but can be extended.

an opening

Emphasizes the start or beginning of something.

a groundbreaker

Highlights the innovative or pioneering aspect of the 'first time'.

a fresh start

Focuses on the beginning aspect and opportunity for change.

a new beginning

Highlights the initiation of something new.

a trial run

Emphasizes that the first time is a test or experiment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a first time" to describe an initial experience or event. For example, "It was "a first time" for me visiting Europe, and I was amazed by the architecture".

What's a more formal alternative to "a first time"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "an initial experience" or "an inaugural moment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "a" before "first time"?

In most cases, yes, you should use "a" before "first time" when referring to an experience. However, you might omit it in titles or headings for brevity. For example: "First Time Home Buyers Guide".

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

"A first time" refers to one instance of something happening initially. "The first time" refers to a specific instance that has already been identified or is known in the context. Example: "It was "a first time" for her on stage." vs "The first time I saw her, I knew she was special."