at the first go

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the first go" is correct and can be used in written English.
You would use this expression when you want to indicate that something happened the first time you tried (e.g., a particular task). For example, "I completed the marathon at the first go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

That is no reason to shirk a bold attempt to make things better, nor to retreat if it does not work at the first go.

The Economist

UPDATE: Sorry everyone, I really messed up this report at the first go.

TechCrunch

"We want to be in a position to at least have the opportunity to get back into the Premiership at the first go".

BBC

Participants must get the motto behind a question at the first go.

Huffington Post

If people don't like you at the first go, don't just give up; pick up your feet and meet different people!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Whoever is the largest party should get the first go at forming a coalition.

The Guardian

At the third GO level, the most represented biological terms were 'primary metabolic process' (8% of predicted proteins), 'cellular metabolic process' (8%) and 'regulation of biological process' (7%).

BMC Genomics

In fact, this was the second go at creating a penthouse at this property.

The New York Times

It's the second go at this idea by two of Parking Insider's three creators.

TechCrunch

It makes no difference where, just so you go! go! go! Remember, at the first opportunity, go! Jeanette Rankin.

Forbes

The winning goal, coming at 7 43 of the third, went to the Predators' Viktor Stalberg.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the first go" to emphasize a successful initial attempt, especially when the task is typically challenging or requires multiple tries.

Common error

Avoid using "at the first go" interchangeably with phrases like "at first glance" or "initially", which refer to first impressions or the beginning of a process, rather than a completed attempt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the first go" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate that an action was completed successfully on the initial attempt. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the first go" is a correct but relatively rare phrase used to emphasize success on the first attempt. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's more common in informal contexts but appears in news and media. Alternative phrases like "on the first attempt" or "immediately" may be more appropriate for formal writing. When using "at the first go", ensure it accurately conveys that an action was successfully completed without a second try.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the first attempt

Emphasizes the act of trying something only once.

on the first try

Similar to "on the first attempt", but uses the more informal word "try".

without a second attempt

Highlights the lack of need for another try.

the very first time

Emphasizes that it happened the first time.

right away

Focuses on the immediacy and lack of delay.

immediately

Stresses the absence of any time lapse.

straight away

British English equivalent of "right away".

at once

Emphasizes the promptness and simultaneity of the action.

from the outset

Focuses on the beginning and the initial stages.

on its debut

Refers to the first public appearance or performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the first go" to emphasize that something was successful or achieved on the first attempt. For example: "She solved the puzzle "at the first go"".

What is a similar phrase to "at the first go"?

Similar phrases include "on the first attempt", "on the first try", or "immediately", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "at the first go" formal or informal?

"At the first go" leans towards informal, though it can be used in news and media. More formal alternatives might be "on the first attempt" or "immediately".

Which is more common, "at the first go" or "on the first attempt"?

"On the first attempt" is more commonly used. "At the first go" is a less frequent, somewhat more colloquial alternative.