at the first strike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the first strike" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the initial attempt or action taken in a situation, often in contexts related to sports, games, or any competitive scenario. Example: "He managed to hit the target perfectly at the first strike, impressing everyone with his skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"This one went out at the first strike.

The New York Times

At the first strike, it was quite scary because I didn't know what people's reactions would be.

The Guardian

So Barmes swung hard at the first strike he got, with a 1-0 count, and drilled a fastball over the wall in left.

The New York Times - Sports

He said he was more relaxed and tried to be aggressive at the plate, swinging at the first strike he saw instead of taking it.

The New York Times - Sports

Whatever version of a missile launcher was actually used seems to have worked: the Scots gave up at the first strike on their theretofore impregnable walls.

The New York Times - Arts

Beyond the immediate risk to the 10 Europeans and 3 Algerians still being held — "At the first strike, the hostages will have their throats cut like chickens, one after the other," Mr. Hamaha threatened — an intervention could face formidable opponents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Across England, as many as 38,000 members of the British Medical Association BMAA) walked out at 8am in the first strike by junior doctors in 40 years.

The Guardian

The Verdi union added that action at the Graben site - the first strike at that plant - had been well supported.

BBC

But allied commanders could hardly restrain their elation at the success of the first strike.

The Guardian

In the hours after the first strike, at least 20 rockets were fired at Israeli territory.

The New York Times

Within weeks of the first strike at Karnes, there was another strike at the center to get the attention of ICE Director, Sarah Saldaña.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the first strike" to emphasize the immediate result or consequence of an initial action, especially when describing sports, military actions, or negotiations.

Common error

Avoid using "at the first strike" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives such as "initially" or "at the outset" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the first strike" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the timing or condition under which an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the first strike" serves to highlight the immediacy and impact of an initial action, often in scenarios involving competition, conflict, or decisive moments. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, it maintains a neutral register, lending itself to diverse contexts ranging from news reporting to sports commentary. When aiming for precision in formal or academic settings, alternatives like "initially" or "at the outset" may prove more suitable. With a source quality score of 89 and an expert rating of 4.1, its proper usage can significantly enhance the descriptive power of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the first attempt

Replaces "strike" with a more general term for trying something.

at the very start

A simple and direct way to indicate the commencement of an event or process.

with the first hit

Specifically refers to a successful initial impact, often in a physical context.

upon initial impact

Emphasizes the immediate effect of a first collision or encounter.

at the outset

Indicates the very beginning of something, not necessarily an attempt.

with the initial blow

Focuses on the first act of aggression or force.

in the first instance

Suggests an action taken initially before others are considered.

from the get-go

An informal way to say "from the beginning".

at the opening move

Implies a strategic beginning, often in games or negotiations.

at the inception

Refers to the moment something is created or started.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the first strike" to describe the immediate outcome of an initial action, for example, "The enemy forces surrendered "at the first strike"".

What can I say instead of "at the first strike"?

Alternatives include "on the first attempt", "with the first hit", or "at the outset", depending on the context.

Is "at the first strike" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "at the first strike" might be too informal for some formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "initially" or "at the outset" in such cases.

What does "at the first strike" emphasize in a sentence?

The phrase "at the first strike" emphasizes the immediacy and impact of the initial action, suggesting that the result was achieved quickly and efficiently.