are the first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are the first" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone is the initial or earliest in a sequence or group. Example: "They are the first to arrive at the event, setting a positive tone for the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are the first mirror".

Independent

"These students are the first".

The New York Times

You are the first to lose.

The New York Times

Adam and Eve are the first ones.

Independent

"These are the first," he said.

The New York Times

"They are the first to participate.

The New York Times

"We are the first visitors of Titan.

Independent

They are the first to admit that.

The New York Times

You are the first.

The New York Times

Here are the first three.

The Guardian

"They are the first responders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what "first" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is the first" when referring to a plural subject. Ensure subject-verb agreement; if the subject is plural, use "are the first".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are the first" functions as a predicate nominative or adjective phrase. It identifies or describes the subject as being the initial or foremost in a specific category. Ludwig examples confirm that it is used to denote precedence and initiation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are the first" is a versatile phrase used to denote precedence, initiation, or leadership across diverse contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase serves to highlight the pioneering role of a subject. It exhibits a neutral register, rendering it suitable for various writing styles ranging from formal to informal. Its high frequency across news, scientific, and formal business domains underscores its widespread applicability. Remember to ensure subject-verb agreement, avoiding "is the first" with plural subjects. Consider alternatives like "are the pioneers" or "are at the forefront" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are the initial ones

Focuses on the starting point in a series.

are the pioneers

Emphasizes innovative and exploratory aspects.

are the forerunners

Stresses preceding others in development or time.

are the trailblazers

Emphasizes creating new paths or approaches.

are at the forefront

Highlights leadership and advanced position.

are the frontrunners

Highlights leading a race or competition.

are the originators

Highlights the act of creation or invention.

are the leading edge

Indicates being the most advanced or progressive.

are the premiere

Focuses on being the most important or best.

are the prime movers

Stresses the role of initiating action or change.

FAQs

How can I use "are the first" in a sentence?

Use "are the first" to indicate that a group or multiple entities initiated or preceded others in a particular action or state. For example, "They "are the first" to implement this technology".

What phrases are similar to "are the first"?

Similar phrases include "are the initial", "are the pioneers", or "are the forerunners". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is the first" instead of "are the first"?

The correctness depends on the subject. Use "is the first" with singular subjects and "are the first" with plural subjects. For example, "He is the first" vs "They "are the first"".

What's the difference between "are the first" and "were the first"?

"Are the first" indicates a present state or ongoing condition, while "were the first" refers to a past state. For example, "They "are the first" to achieve this goal this year" vs "They were the first to land on the moon".