a first time for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first time for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is happening for the first time in a particular context or situation. Example: "There is always a first time for everything, and today I finally learned how to ride a bike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

THERE'S a first time for everything.

Forbes

But there's a first time for everything.

The Guardian - Opinion

(There's a first time for everything).

The New York Times - Arts

"There may be a first time for anything.

The New York Times - Health

I guess there's always a first time for loyalty.

The Guardian - Sport

'There's a first time for everything,' I remind him.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Let the dough rest a second time, for 10 minutes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But if Rogoff triumphed, they would meet a third time for the title.

The New York Times

Maggie Smith won best supporting actress for a third time for Downton Abbey.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But do not ask us to do it a third time, for they will not follow".

The Guardian

We're all here looking to pay a second time for stuff we already owned.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a first time for" to acknowledge the novelty of an event or experience, especially when there is an element of surprise or exception to a previous pattern. For example: "There's a first time for everything, and today I saw a dog driving a car."

Common error

Avoid using "a first time for" too frequently in your writing. While the phrase is valid, overuse can make your text sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "debut" or "inaugural instance" for variety.

Linguistic Context

'A first time for' functions as a versatile phrase that introduces the concept of novelty or initiation. According to Ludwig, it commonly appears in contexts where something is happening for the very first time, marking a departure from previous experiences or patterns. This aligns with Ludwig AI confirmation regarding its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a first time for" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight novelty or initiation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its validity is supported by many examples in a wide range of contexts, the phrase typically conveys a sense of surprise, acceptance, or anticipation. While commonly found in News & Media, and Science, overusing the phrase can lead to repetitive writing, so consider employing synonyms like "debut" or "inaugural instance" for variety. Remember that, to quote the examples provided by Ludwig, often "There's a first time for everything."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The first occasion for

Highlights the uniqueness and singularity of the event.

The initial experience of

Focuses on the personal and subjective aspect of trying something new.

A debut for

Focuses specifically on the idea of a public introduction or performance.

A fresh start for

Focuses on the opportunity to begin again or differently.

An inaugural instance of

Emphasizes the formal or official beginning of something.

A maiden voyage for

Specifically refers to the first journey or use of a vehicle or system.

The dawn of

Evokes a sense of beginning and potential.

Breaking new ground in

Implies innovation and the overcoming of obstacles.

Starting something from scratch

Implies beginning from zero

Venturing into uncharted territory with

Suggests risk-taking and exploration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a first time for" to indicate that something is happening for the very first time, often implying surprise or novelty. For example, "There's "a first time for" everything, even for making mistakes."

What is an alternative to the phrase "a first time for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "debut", "inaugural instance", or simply stating that something is happening "for the first time".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a first time for"?

Yes, "a first time for" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity based on numerous examples.

What does it mean when someone says "there's a first time for everything"?

It generally means that an event is unusual or unexpected, but not impossible. It acknowledges that even if something has never happened before, it can still occur. The phrase often carries a sense of acceptance or resignation.