as a first draft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a first draft" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial version of a document or piece of writing that is subject to further revision and editing. Example: "I submitted the report as a first draft, knowing that it would require additional revisions before the final submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It would serve as a first draft, she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Blurt out, heave out, babble out something — anything — as a first draft.

The New Yorker

It hardly reads as a first draft – more likely, an apprentice effort that Lee laboriously reworked.

Independent

It was something that emerged without as much effort, as a first draft.

The New York Times

Console Miss McConnell that every story — by a novice or Nobel laureate — begins life as a first draft.

The New Yorker

Indeed, it's this convergence of the real and virtual worlds that marks the game out out as a first draft of history.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Long on titillation and superfluous storytelling and short on keen analysis, these books fail as even a first draft of history.

The New York Times - Books

The handwritten document, originally written on loose scraps of paper but now carefully rewritten on United Nations stationary, is as much a collective memoir as it is a first draft of history.

Vice

During the third session, you'll learn how to write a first draft, as well as how to re-draft and edit your writing to bring out its strengths.

The Guardian

A literary agent had agreed to represent the novel I was working on, a book about the same war that was winding down as I finished a first draft, begun half a decade after coming home from Baghdad.

The New York Times

And, at the same time, he often writes as if he's submitted a first draft without even rereading it.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a first draft", be prepared to provide context on the areas needing the most attention or specific feedback you're seeking.

Common error

Avoid presenting a document "as a first draft" while implying it is near completion. Ensure your communication reflects the genuine need for further development and potential for significant changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a first draft" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the state or quality of something. It indicates that something is in an initial, unrefined stage. Ludwig AI shows many examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a first draft" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an initial, unrefined version of a document or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, media, and science. When using this phrase, it's important to manage expectations by clearly indicating that the work is subject to further revisions and feedback. Alternatives like "preliminary version" or "rough draft" can also be used, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid overstating the finality of a "first draft", and be prepared to provide context on the areas needing the most attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a preliminary version

Replaces 'first' with 'preliminary', emphasizing the initial and tentative nature of the draft.

as an initial version

Substitutes 'first' with 'initial', highlighting the starting point of the drafting process.

as a rough draft

Emphasizes the unpolished and incomplete state of the draft.

in its early stages

Shifts focus to the developmental phase, rather than the specific document.

in its formative stage

Highlights the developmental and shaping nature of the early version.

as a starting point

Focuses on the draft serving as a foundation for further development.

as a prototype

Suggests a model for future iterations and improvements.

as a trial version

Emphasizes the experimental and testing nature of the draft.

in skeletal form

Highlights the incomplete and basic structure of the draft.

as a work in progress

Focuses on the ongoing development and refinement of the piece.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a first draft" to describe a preliminary version of a document or piece of writing. For example, "I submitted the proposal as a first draft, expecting revisions".

What is an alternative to saying "as a first draft"?

Alternatives include "preliminary version", "initial version", or "rough draft", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to share something described "as a first draft"?

Yes, it's appropriate to share something "as a first draft" when you're seeking feedback or collaboration, making it clear that the work is not yet final.

What does it mean when something is referred to "as a first draft"?

It means the item is an early version and likely incomplete, requiring further development, editing, or refinement. It's not meant to be a final or polished product.