as a first course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a first course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial dish served in a meal, particularly in a formal dining context. Example: "For dinner, we will be serving a light salad as a first course before the main dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Serves 4 as a first course.

The New York Times

Serves four, as a first course.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yield: 4 servings, more as a first course.

The New York Times - Food

Our favorite restaurant serves olives as a first course.

The New York Times

Yield: 8 servings as a first course or light lunch.

The New York Times - Food

Serves four to six, as a first course.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yield: 4 servings as a first course, 2 to 3 as a main course.

The New York Times - Food

Serve it as a first course or as a light main dish.

The New York Times - Health

Yield: 6 servings as a first course, 12 or more with drinks.

The New York Times - Food

If you order it as a first course, your dinner could stretch on for hours.

The New York Times - Arts

Serves 6 to 8 as a first course or tiny middle course.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a first course", ensure the context clearly defines a structured meal setting with multiple courses, enhancing the dining experience.

Common error

Avoid using "as a first course" when referring to the primary or most substantial dish of a meal; reserve it for introductory dishes like salads or soups that precede the main entree.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a first course" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, noun, or clause, indicating the role or position of a dish within a meal. Ludwig examples confirm its use to describe the order of courses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a first course" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that identifies the initial dish in a meal. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, particularly in news and media contexts. While slightly formal, it effectively communicates the sequence of a multi-course dining experience. When a more casual tone is needed, consider alternatives like "for starters" or "as an appetizer".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the opening course

Emphasizes the structured nature of the meal, particularly in formal settings.

as an appetizer

Focuses on the function of the dish to stimulate appetite before the main meal.

as a starter

A common and slightly more informal term for the initial dish.

for starters

Offers a more informal and concise way to indicate the beginning of a meal.

as the entree

This is particularly applicable in regions where "entree" refers to the first course, clarifying its position in the meal.

to begin with

Suggests a sequential order, indicating the initial part of the meal.

as a prelude to the meal

Highlights the introductory role of the dish, setting the stage for what follows.

to commence the meal

More formal and emphasizes the beginning of the dining experience.

to whet the appetite

Shifts focus from describing the dish to describing its intended effect.

for the initial plate

Emphasizes the physical presentation of the first dish.

FAQs

How can I use "as a first course" in a sentence?

You can use "as a first course" to describe an initial dish served in a multi-course meal, such as "We enjoyed a refreshing salad "as a first course" before the main entree".

What are some alternatives to saying "as a first course"?

Some alternatives include "as an appetizer", "for starters", or "as a starter", depending on the context and formality of the situation.

Is it appropriate to use "as a first course" in informal settings?

While "as a first course" is grammatically correct, it might sound slightly formal in casual settings. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "for starters" to maintain a conversational tone.

What's the difference between "as a first course" and "appetizer"?

"As a first course" generally implies a structured, multi-course meal, whereas "appetizer" refers to any dish served before the main course to stimulate the appetite, often in a less formal setting. They can frequently be used interchangeably, however.