as in first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as in first" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used when referring to something that is similar to or a repeat of the first instance of something previously mentioned. Example: "The results of the second experiment were inconclusive, as in first, leading us to reconsider our methodology."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Not as in "first night out in a while" or "first night out in this particular town," but first night out.

The New York Times

Not football as in first and ten, going long, late hits, special teams, pneumatic cheerleaders in abbreviated costumes, serial brain concussions — the game that every American loves, apart from a few, uh, soreheads.

The New Yorker

GREENPORT, N.Y.— Thursday night was Sara's first night out.Not as in "first night out in a while" or "first night out in this particular town," but first night out.Period".I'm never out this late," said Sara, a wide-eyed 4-year-old, whose entire nervous system seemed to be wired to the carousel lights behind her".But I like it".

The New York Times

But there are subtle shifts, most notably that women have moved out of the era of "firsts"–as in, first U.S. female licensed pilot (Harriet Quimby in 1911), first female captain of a major U.S. airline (Emily Howell Warner in 1976) or first woman to fly around the world in a helicopter (Jennifer Murray in 1997).

Forbes

They also created daring street performances that recoded and satirized mainstream and Chicano cultures, as in "First Supper (After a Major Riot)." In the process they made history.

Huffington Post

As in first ever.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

In the second round, as in the first procedure, values were converted and medians and means calculated.

Age and Ageing

The sampling process was repeated as in the first outbreak.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

"I felt as good in the seventh and eighth as in the third and fourth," he said after the game.

The New York Times - Sports

That's first as in the first one made and the first good one in the finished sequence.

BBC

At this time of year, as in first-century Palestine, you can't move for contenders.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as in first", ensure clarity by explicitly referencing what "first" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and improves readability.

Common error

Avoid overuse in formal writing. While acceptable, it can sometimes sound informal or repetitive. Opt for clearer alternatives like "similar to the first" or "like the first" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as in first" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used for clarification or comparison. It connects a current statement to a previous one by indicating similarity or equivalence to the initial instance. Ludwig shows examples in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as in first" serves as a prepositional phrase intended to draw a comparison to an initial instance, aiding in clarification or providing context. While Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's grammatically acceptable, its usage frequency is uncommon. Ludwig's examples reveal its presence across various sources, including news, science, encyclopedias and wikis. The tool suggests alternatives like "like the first" or "similar to the first", especially in more formal writing. Understanding its function and context helps ensure effective communication, avoiding potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like the first

Replaces the "as in" construction with the simpler "like", offering a more direct comparison.

just as in the first

Emphasizes that something is happening in a parallel fashion.

similar to the first

Emphasizes the resemblance between two elements being compared.

as with the first

Highlights the parallel nature of the situation or action described.

akin to the first

Suggests a similarity or relatedness between the mentioned items.

in the same way as the first

Offers a more formal and explicit comparison.

paralleling the first

Implies that something is evolving or occurring in a parallel manner.

corresponding to the first

Highlights a direct relationship in an ordered sequence.

identical to the first

Indicates that the things being compared are exactly the same.

consistent with the first

Stresses that the things are in agreement or alignment.

FAQs

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

Use "as in first" to draw a comparison to a previously mentioned instance or element. For example: "The results of the second trial were inconclusive, "as in first", leading us to reassess our methodology."

What are some alternatives to using "as in first"?

Alternatives include phrases like "like the first", "similar to the first", or "as with the first" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "as in first"?

It is appropriate to use it to clarify a point by referencing a previous similar situation or item. Ensure the reference is clear to avoid confusion.

Is "as in first" considered formal or informal language?

While generally acceptable, it leans towards informal usage. In formal writing, consider more precise and explicit comparisons for better clarity.