among the earliest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "among the earliest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is part of a group that is early in time or occurrence. Example: "The discovery of fire is considered among the earliest achievements of human civilization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among the earliest founders?

The New Yorker

Jefferson was among the earliest advocates of restricting executions.

The New Yorker

Turner (1815-1894) wamongong the earliest British amateur photographers.

The New York Times - Arts

Guangdong Province was among the earliest, in 1986.

The New York Times

Chests are among the earliest pieces of American furniture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among the earliest examples is the Egyptian tomb.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Metcalf was among the earliest American artists to visit Giverny to paint.

The New York Times

The work is among the earliest of Mr. Nono's politically charged manifestos.

The New York Times - Arts

The Florida case appeared to be among the earliest warnings that Topps burgers might be tainted.

The New York Times

Among the earliest symptoms of diabetes are blurry vision, thirst and a frequent need to urinate.

The Guardian

Mr. Ginsberg and Mr. Baldick were among the earliest hires in January 2003.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "among the earliest", ensure that the context clearly identifies the group or category to which the subject belongs. This clarifies the comparison and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "among the earliest" without specifying what the subject is early in relation to. Without context, the phrase lacks meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "among the earliest" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is part of a group that existed or occurred at an early point in time. As Ludwig's AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to denote early instances or members of a particular set.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "among the earliest" is a prepositional phrase commonly employed to indicate that something is part of an initial group or occurred at an early stage. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to provide a clear reference for what is being described as early. For alternatives, consider "one of the first" or "in the vanguard of" for similar effect. Overall, "among the earliest" is a useful and versatile phrase for establishing historical context and emphasizing early development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of the first

Focuses on being singular and initial, differing from the group aspect of the original phrase.

among the initial

Highlights the starting point or beginning nature.

one of the original

Highlights the originality and source of something.

in the vanguard of

Emphasizes being at the forefront or leading edge of something.

among the pioneering

Focuses on innovation and groundbreaking nature.

at the dawn of

Implies the very beginning or origin of a period or development.

at the inception of

Emphasizes the very beginning or start of an idea or project.

at the genesis of

Highlights the creation or origin of something.

in the early stages of

Focuses on the initial phase or development of something.

in its infancy

Implies an early stage of development, often with potential for growth.

FAQs

How can I use "among the earliest" in a sentence?

You can use "among the earliest" to indicate that something belongs to the first instances or members of a particular group. For example, "This invention was "among the earliest" examples of its kind".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "among the earliest"?

Alternatives to "among the earliest" include "one of the first", "some of the initial", or "in the vanguard of". These options convey a similar meaning while offering variety in expression.

Is there a difference between saying "among the earliest" and "one of the earliest"?

While both phrases indicate something is from an early period, "among the earliest" implies membership within a group of early examples, whereas "one of the earliest" emphasizes singularity within that early group.

When should I use "among the earliest" instead of "the first"?

Use "among the earliest" when you want to emphasize that something is part of a larger, initial set, rather than being absolutely singular and pioneering. If it is uniquely the very first, use "the first" instead.