as the first one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as the first one' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase "as the first one" to indicate which of two or more people or things you are referring to first. For example, "I finished my assignment last night, and then I started on my brother's, as the first one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As soon as the first one goes, they flow on like water.

Huffington Post

The second stack (parallel plates) was designed and built on the same fundamental parameter as the first one.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

But none were as fiercely contested as the first one.

The New York Times

"It's the same species as the first one.

The New York Times

"This Giro won't be as difficult as the first one".

The New York Times - Sports

Especially Monty, as the first one involves spinning".

The Guardian - Sport

I don't view it as significant as the first one, but others might disagree.

Harvard University

The final 90-minute class is just as important as the first one.

Stanford University

"This Test is as important as (the first one in) Brisbane was".

Independent

What if you didn't love it as much as the first one?

The Guardian - Opinion

Of the three debates, yesterday's was nearly as quarrelsome as the first one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as the first one", ensure there's a clear reference point for comparison. Make sure it is evident what the 'first one' is being compared to, maintaining clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "as the first one" when there's no subsequent item or action for comparison. Always ensure there is a 'second one' or a follow-up to maintain the context and meaning of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the first one" functions as a prepositional phrase used for comparison. It positions an item or action in relation to another, highlighting its sequential or qualitative difference. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it commonly connects two related subjects or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Huffington Post

2%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as the first one" is a versatile prepositional phrase frequently used to draw comparisons between an initial item or action and subsequent ones. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While the phrase is commonly used and easily understood, it's important to ensure clarity in comparisons and avoid using it in contexts where there is no point of reference. Related phrases, such as "like the initial one", offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use "as the first one" to enhance clarity and make meaningful comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like the initial one

Replaces 'first' with 'initial', emphasizing the beginning status.

similar to the original one

Uses 'original' instead of 'first', stressing the concept of the starting point.

such as the primary one

Substitutes 'first' with 'primary', focusing on importance and sequence.

akin to the former one

Replaces "first" with "former", emphasizing a comparison between two items where one precedes the other.

comparable to the early one

Uses 'early' instead of 'first', highlighting the time aspect of precedence.

matching the lead one

Replaces "first" with "lead", to emphasize the role of being a leader

as the pioneering one

Replaces "first" with "pioneering", highlighting the innovative aspect.

equivalent to the inaugural one

Replaces "first" with "inaugural", to emphasize the event or process of inauguration.

resembling the starting one

Uses 'starting' instead of 'first' to describe a process that is at the beginning.

on par with the premier one

Replaces "first" with "premier", stressing a the quality of being the best of his kind.

FAQs

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

Use "as the first one" to compare something to another similar thing, highlighting its position in a sequence or its characteristics relative to the first. For example, "The second movie wasn't as impactful "as the first one"".

What are some alternatives to using "as the first one"?

You can use phrases like "like the initial one", "similar to the original one", or "such as the primary one" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "as the first one"?

Yes, "as the first one" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being referenced "as the second one" or subsequent items for the comparison to be meaningful.

What's the difference between "as the first one" and "initially"?

"As the first one" is used for direct comparisons between two or more items in a sequence, while "initially" refers to the beginning stage or phase of something without necessarily implying a comparison. "Initially" simply indicates that something happened at the start.