according to a first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to a first" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referencing a primary source or initial point of view in a discussion or analysis. Example: "According to a first analysis of the data, the results indicate a significant trend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

According to a first estimate Spain also fell back into recession, which was less surprising.

The Economist

See articleGermany's GDP grew by 3% last year, according to a first estimate.

The Economist

The debt-stricken euro-area economy slowed in the second quarter, expanding by only 0.2% according to a first estimate.

The Economist

Experimental data indicate that phenol concentration decreases by oxidation according to a first order reaction suggesting a mass transport limitation process.

Electrochimica Acta

America's economy added just 169,000 jobs in August, according to a first estimate released today: below the 184,000 job monthly average of the past 12 months.

The Economist

After 13 consecutive quarters of growth America's economy contracted by 0.1% at an annual rate in the last three months of 2012, according to a first estimate.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

This research considers the process mean wanders according to a first-order autoregressive model.

Expert Systems with Applications

According to a first-principles study, there is a rather small coupling between 2Ta diamond and 2GaVo triangular shapes.

Materials & Design

Acupuncture appears to be an effective way to reduce depression symptoms during pregnancy, according to a first-of-its-kind study from Stanford University School of Medicine researchers.

Stanford University

In addition, generalization to any number of components interacting according to a first-order reaction mechanism is discussed for large and small time asymptotes.

Chemical Engineering Science

This inactivation factor varies according to a first-order kinetic model that is time-dependent and enhances the dynamic characteristics of the modelling approach.

Biochemical Engineering Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "according to a first", ensure that the 'first' source is clearly identified and credible to enhance the validity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the 'first' estimate or analysis is necessarily the most accurate or comprehensive. Later data may provide a more complete picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to a first" functions as a prepositional phrase, attributing information or findings to an initial source or assessment. It sets the context by indicating that the information is based on an early analysis, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "according to a first" is a prepositional phrase used to attribute information or analysis to an initial or primary source. As identified by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts. While valuable, it's crucial to remember that first assessments might be preliminary and subject to change with subsequent data. Alternative phrases, such as "based on an initial", provide similar meaning while slightly shifting the emphasis. When using this phrase, always ensure clarity about the source and acknowledge the possibility of future revisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on an initial

Replaces "according to" with "based on", emphasizing the foundation of the information.

in accordance with an early

Uses more formal language and specifies the temporal aspect with "early".

following an initial

Highlights the sequence of events, emphasizing that the information comes after something else.

as per an early

A more concise and formal way of attributing information to an early source.

on the basis of an initial

Emphasizes that the information is derived from a foundational assessment.

drawing from a preliminary

Suggests that the information is extracted or inferred from a preliminary source.

stemming from a primary

Indicates that the information originates from a primary source or analysis.

as indicated by an initial

Focuses on the indication or signaling of information by a primary source.

derived from a nascent

Uses "nascent" to suggest a newly developed or emerging source of information.

originating from a fundamental

Highlights the fundamental or foundational nature of the source information.

FAQs

How can I use "according to a first" in a sentence?

Use "according to a first" to attribute information or an assessment to an initial source. For example, "According to a first estimate, the economy grew by 2%."

What's a good alternative to "according to a first"?

You can use alternatives like "based on an initial" or "following an initial" depending on the context.

Is it always accurate to rely on "according to a first" reports?

While "according to a first" reports provide initial insights, they may be subject to revisions as more data becomes available. Always consider subsequent analyses.

What is the difference between "according to a first" and "according to the first"?

"According to a first" refers to an initial report or estimate, whereas "according to the first" specifies a particular first item in a series or list. They serve distinct purposes.