as the first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the first" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a comparison or to highlight the initial instance of something in a sequence or list. Example: "She was recognized as the first to complete the marathon in under three hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second verse, same as the first.

The New York Times

"As the first man and first L.G.B.T.

The New York Times

Gatwick opens as the first modern airport.

Independent

They function as the first clocks.

The New York Times - Arts

It was as short as the first.

The New York Times - Magazine

Backscatter is considered as the first noise.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Day 0 was defined as the first day of treatment.

Veterinary Parasitology

Think of it as the first "farm-to-bowl" concept.

TechCrunch

That game is the same as the first two!

TechCrunch

Vilém Čoka served as the first pastor.

Wikipedia

Especially as the first question.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the first" to clearly indicate the initial item in a series or to highlight a pioneering achievement. This helps readers understand the sequence or significance of events.

Common error

Avoid using "as the first" when there is no subsequent sequence or comparison. It's only appropriate when highlighting the initial position relative to others that follow. Instead, use alternatives like "initially" or "originally" if you only mean 'at the beginning'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the first" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It serves to identify or emphasize the initial position or occurrence of something within a sequence, group, or category. Ludwig examples showcase its diverse applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as the first" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase widely used to denote initial position, priority, or pioneering actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. It's prevalent in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, showcasing its broad applicability. When using "as the first", remember to ensure that it appropriately highlights an initial position relative to subsequent items, and be mindful of situations where simpler alternatives like "initially" or "firstly" might suffice. Its consistent usage across authoritative sources reinforces its validity and utility in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being the first

This alternative emphasizes the act or state of initiating or preceding others.

firstly

This adverb is a direct synonym used to introduce the first item in a sequence.

initially

This adverb highlights the beginning or commencement of an event or series.

at the beginning

This phrase specifies the temporal aspect of being at the start of something.

to begin with

This expression is often used to introduce the first point in a discussion or list.

in the first place

This phrase indicates the initial reason or consideration.

at first

This phrase indicates an initial reaction or observation that may change later.

primarily

This adverb signifies the main or most important aspect at the outset.

originally

This term denotes the initial state or condition of something.

for starters

This colloquial expression is used to introduce the first item or reason.

FAQs

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

Use "as the first" to denote the initial element in a series or to emphasize a pioneering action. For example, "He was recognized as the first person to achieve this milestone."

What can I say instead of "as the first"?

You can use alternatives like "initially", "firstly", or "at the beginning" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "as the first" or "being the first"?

Both phrases are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "As the first" is more descriptive, while "being the first" focuses on the act or state of initiating something. Choose the one that best fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "as the first" and "in the first place"?

"As the first" indicates the initial position in a sequence, whereas "in the first place" often refers to the initial reason or consideration for something.