at the first

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the first" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the start of a process or a particular time period. For example, "At the first sign of trouble, we knew we needed to leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Double bogey at the first.

Independent

At the first site they were disappointed.

The New York Times - Magazine

And all at the first attempt, too.

Independent

He marvelled at the first diagnosis.

Independent

Who will crumble at the first hurdle?

Independent

He succeeded at the first attempt.

Independent

Just look at the first page.

The New Yorker

At the first R.B.F.

Energy Conversion and Management

Anwar hints at the first.

The Guardian

Look at the first letters.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Look at the first-person shooter.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the first", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being referred to. For example, "At the first sign of rain, bring the plants inside."

Common error

Avoid using "at the first" when you mean "firstly" or "initially" in a list of points. "At the first" often implies a specific time or occurrence, not an item in a sequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the first" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurs or is considered initially. Ludwig AI identifies its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the first" is a common prepositional phrase used to specify the beginning of an event or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to use it accurately to avoid ambiguity. Remember to consider alternative expressions like "initially" or "at the beginning" depending on the specific context you're aiming for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the beginning

This phrase explicitly refers to the start or commencement of an event or period.

originally

This adverb indicates what was true or intended at the start, which may have changed later.

initially

This is a simple adverb that directly indicates the beginning of something.

as a first step

This phrase emphasizes the initial action taken towards a goal.

at the outset

This phrase implies the very start of something, often used when discussing projects or endeavors.

in the first instance

This is a more formal way of saying "at first", often used in legal or official contexts.

in the early stages

This phrase focuses on the initial phase of a process or development.

to begin with

This phrase is used to introduce the first point or consideration in a series.

upon initial inspection

This phrase is used when referring to an assessment made at the start.

at inception

This is a more formal term referring to the start or beginning of an organization or system.

FAQs

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

Use "at the first" to indicate the beginning of an event, process, or series. For example, "He struggled "at the first attempt" but eventually succeeded".

What phrases are similar to "at the first"?

Similar phrases include "initially", "at the beginning", or "in the first instance", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at the first" or "firstly"?

"At the first" refers to a point in time or the start of something, while "firstly" is used to introduce the first item in a list. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "at the first" and "initially"?

"At the first" often implies a specific point or event that marks a beginning, whereas "initially" simply means "at the beginning". The choice depends on the context and the level of specificity required.