at the first attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the first attempt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer back to the first time you try to do something. For example: "I was able to solve the puzzle at the first attempt.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And all at the first attempt, too.

Independent

He succeeded at the first attempt.

Independent

Insertion was easily achieved at the first attempt in each case.

British Journal of Anaesthesia

Veterans of past budgets say reaching agreement at the first attempt would be remarkable.

The Economist

At the first attempt at Old Trafford, he won the Premier League title.

Independent

And several teams from England, such as Nottingham Forest, have won it at the first attempt.

The New York Times

Much can be forgiven at the first attempt but Pendleton's timetable requires rapid improvement.

The Guardian - Sport

At the first attempt marchers were brutalized, the march turned back.

The New York Times - Books

Lippi won the league at the first attempt and started his own era of dominance.

The Guardian - Sport

The result badly dented Manx's hopes of winning the national league at the first attempt.

The Guardian - Sport

If however you have an interest in the subject it normally goes in at the first attempt and stays there.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the first attempt" to clearly convey success or failure in an initial endeavor, providing a straightforward assessment of efficiency. For example, "They succeeded "at the first attempt", demonstrating their expertise."

Common error

Avoid substituting "at the first attempt" with phrases that imply a process or series of actions. "From the outset" describes a continuous state, while "at the first attempt" refers to a specific, singular action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the first attempt" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when or how something was achieved. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to specify that an action was performed or succeeded during the initial try.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the first attempt" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to denote success or failure during an initial try. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and common across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. Its function is to emphasize efficiency or immediacy, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication settings.

When using "at the first attempt", ensure it accurately reflects a singular, initial action, and avoid confusing it with phrases that suggest a process or continuous state. Ludwig AI highlights its consistent use and grammatical correctness, making it a reliable choice for clear and concise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On the initial try

Replaces "attempt" with "try" and uses "initial" instead of "first", slightly altering the formality.

On the first try

Replaces "attempt" with "try", making it more informal.

On the first go

Similar to "on the first try", but slightly more colloquial.

Successfully at the outset

Emphasizes success from the beginning, using more formal vocabulary.

Upon the first endeavor

A more formal alternative, replacing "attempt" with "endeavor".

In the very first instance

Emphasizes the immediacy and singularity of the successful attempt.

Right off the bat

An idiomatic expression indicating immediate success; more informal.

With no prior failures

Highlights the absence of previous unsuccessful attempts.

Achieved immediately

Focuses on the speed of achievement, rather than the attempt itself.

On its maiden voyage

Often used in the context of ships or new projects, indicating success from the start.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the first attempt" to indicate that something was successful or unsuccessful the very first time it was tried. For example, "She passed the exam "at the first attempt"."

What phrases are similar to "at the first attempt"?

Similar phrases include "on the first try", "on the initial try", or "successfully at the outset". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "at the first attempt" or "on the first attempt"?

Both "at the first attempt" and "on the first try" are grammatically correct and widely understood. The choice often comes down to personal preference, though "at the first attempt" may sound slightly more formal.

What does "at the first attempt" imply about the action?

"At the first attempt" implies that the action was either immediately successful or a failure without any preliminary tries. It highlights the immediate outcome of the initial action.