as the first time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the first time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is being experienced or done in the same way as it was during the initial occurrence. Example: "I felt the same excitement as the first time I rode a roller coaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

("Dearest, I see tonight as the first time").

The Guardian - Music

"This bothers me as much as the first time I was shown this," he said.

The New York Times

The following children are terrific, but it's not quite the same miracle as the first time".

The New York Times - Arts

"It's the same as the first time you get up," he said.

The New Yorker

Like, I love her, but not as much as the first time".

The New Yorker

It is nearly word for word the same as the first time.

The New Yorker

I have it eight to four for Golovkin, same as the first time.

The Guardian - Sport

MR. PODESTA: That's my recollection as the first time it came up with the president in my presence.

The New York Times

"If they do reapply, TransCanada will face the same valid public concerns and fierce opposition as the first time".

The Guardian

"So, inevitably there was going to be a certain amount of 'it's not as good as the first time'.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Baseline was defined as the first time-point at which eGFR could be calculated with both CG and CKD-EPI.

HIV Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the first time" to draw a direct comparison between a current experience and an initial one, emphasizing the similarity or lack thereof. This can effectively highlight changes or continuities over time.

Common error

Avoid using "as the first time" when you actually mean "for the first time". The former compares something, while the latter indicates an initial occurrence.

Linguistic Context

As the first time functions as a comparative conjunction phrase. It introduces a clause that draws a parallel between a current situation or experience and a previous one, specifically the initial occurrence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

18%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as the first time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability across various contexts. It serves to compare a present experience or situation with an initial one, often highlighting similarities or differences. While versatile, it's crucial to differentiate its usage from "for the first time", which denotes the initial occurrence of something. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles, although more formal alternatives exist for elevated contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reminiscent of its first showing

Highlights the quality of bringing to mind the initial presentation or display.

similar to the initial experience

Focuses on the experience itself being alike, more suitable for subjective comparisons.

akin to its original occurrence

Highlights the similarity in a more sophisticated and literary manner.

just as it did initially

This variant is more formal and directly relates to how something was done at the beginning.

as it was in the beginning

Evokes a sense of returning to a starting point or foundational state.

echoing the original event

Implies a sense of resonance or callback to the first event, often used in narrative contexts.

like it was the first go-round

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of novelty, but with slightly more informal tone.

like the inaugural instance

Uses more formal language, emphasizing the official or important nature of the first event.

as it originally happened

This emphasizes the authenticity and exactness of the original event.

mirroring the debut

Suggests a direct and faithful replication of the first appearance or event.

FAQs

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

You can use "as the first time" to compare a current experience to a past one, emphasizing the similarity or lack thereof. For example, "He felt the same nervousness "as the first time" he spoke in public".

What's the difference between "as the first time" and "for the first time"?

"As the first time" is used for comparison, indicating something is similar to how it was initially. "For the first time" indicates the initial occurrence of something. Example: "This felt "as the first time" I tried to bake a cake", versus "This is "for the first time" I am baking a cake".

Are there any formal alternatives to "as the first time"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "similar to the initial experience" or "akin to its original occurrence" for a more formal tone. These alternatives provide a similar meaning with slightly elevated language.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "as the first time"?

Avoid using "as the first time" when describing an action that is literally happening initially. In such cases, "for the first time" is more appropriate. Using "as the first time" incorrectly can lead to ambiguity and confusion.