according to the first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to the first" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referencing the first item in a list, a document, or a statement that has been previously mentioned. Example: "According to the first report, the findings were inconclusive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Energy and exergy relations according to the First and Second Law of Thermodynamics are derived.

Energy Conversion and Management

According to the first, he bluffed.

The New York Times - Books

Oops: He was there, according to the first lady's aides.

The New York Times

According to the first letter, what is Donald Rumsfeld's "Catch-22″? b.

The New York Times

But governments have been slow to respond, according to the first IEA report on the issue.

The Guardian

Most reward schemes, from annual holiday bonuses to sales commission, work according to the first approach.

The New Yorker

According to the first official estimate GDP grew by just 0.6%, annualised, in the quarter.

The Economist

According to the first White House official, "It was clear that there was some precooked plan here".

The New Yorker

Still, according to the first reports the walghvoghel compared poorly to "other small birds"; its flesh was tough and oily.

The New Yorker

At least 82 youths have died from the so-called "choking game," according to the first government count of fatalities.

The New York Times

But according to the first government effort to actually measure the phenomenon, such fears may be overblown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "according to the first", ensure there is a clear subsequent reference or list that the 'first' is being compared to.

Common error

Avoid using "according to the first" without explicitly establishing what 'the first' refers to. The phrase requires a clear antecedent to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to the first" functions as an attributive prepositional phrase, typically used to introduce information derived from an initial source, item, or statement in a series. Ludwig shows various examples in both scientific and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "according to the first" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to attribute information to an initial source within a series. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including science, news, and formal business. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for both neutral and formal registers, signaling the derivation of information from a leading or earliest source. For clarity, ensure that the 'first' element is clearly defined in the context and keep in mind that it requires a subsequent reference to another element to be fully expressive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on the initial

Replaces "according to" with "based on", which implies a reliance on the initial information.

as per the original

Uses "as per" to indicate adherence to the original source.

in line with the primary

Implies alignment with a primary principle or guideline.

following the lead

Suggests that subsequent action or thinking is following a leading example.

pursuant to the lead

Pursuant to is a more formal alternative of "following".

drawing from the lead

This alternative emphasizes the act of extracting the conclusions from the initial source.

consistent with the lead

This choice emphasizes agreement with the conclusions of the initial source.

in accordance with the original

Emphasizes compliance or agreement with an original set of rules or guidelines.

in keeping with the primary

Highlights the maintenance of harmony with an initial standard or approach.

aligning with the source

Suggests a process of synchronization with an original point of reference.

FAQs

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

Use "according to the first" to refer back to an initial item, idea, or statement in a sequence or list. For example, "According to the first experiment, the results were inconclusive, but the second showed promise."

What are some alternatives to using "according to the first"?

Alternatives include "based on the initial", "as per the original", or "in line with the primary" depending on the specific context.

Is it necessary to always have a 'second' when using "according to the first"?

While not strictly necessary, using "according to the first" implies a comparison or contrast with at least one other item or piece of information. Without a subsequent reference, the phrase can feel incomplete.

What's the difference between "according to the first" and "according to the initial"?

"According to the first" suggests a position in a sequence, while "according to the initial" emphasizes the starting point or original information. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting order or origin.