Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
based on first hand experiences
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "based on first hand experiences" is mostly correct but should be written as "based on firsthand experiences" in standard English.
You can use it when discussing conclusions, opinions, or insights that are derived from personal experiences rather than secondhand information. Example: "Her recommendations for the trip were based on firsthand experiences she had during her travels."
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
TheFunded, a website that rates venture funds based on first hand experiences from readers, is shutting down on April 2, according to a notice posted on the site today.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
The platform company's Australian and Singaporean offices recommended their preferred teams in the above markets, based on first-hand experience of launching some very popular apps.
News & Media
The recommendations are based on first-hand experience acquired at the University of Massachusetts through the installation, operation, and upgrade of a 250-kW turbine on a mountain top with difficult access in Western Massachusetts.
Science
The skill sets were quite niche, and the yearly spend would cross $100K, so we had to approach platform evangelists to identify some development studios that they'd recommend based on first-hand experience.
News & Media
Based on first-hand experience of the site, habitat in this area is best described as vegetated sand dunes and is comprised of dunes interspersed with vegetated hummocks that include species such as shadscale, spiny hopsage (Grayia spinosa), greasewood, Gardner's saltbush (Atriplex gardneri), and grasses.
Science
Our unity stands as striking evidence, based on first-hand experience, that the programmatic demands being made on students and teachers for improved performance can only be achieved by first providing the professional development funding for those of us who must oversee these reforms.
News & Media
Ratings based on first-hand experience were considered more reliable than judgements made by health and social care professionals, who they felt might have 'an agenda' based on making cost-savings.
Science
The interviews with case managers, the mentor and team members were, in general, based on first-hand experience of case management (or an aspect of case management of which the participant had specific knowledge).
Science
Suggestion Two: Vote based on first-hand life experience vs. social gossip or political ads.
News & Media
As such, their impressions were based on exposure to the DT Question protocol, rather than on first hand experience of how this intervention actually affected patients.
Science
Raychaudhuri responded to Ramakrishnan's email requesting "not to form opinions based on second hand sources".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing the foundation of your conclusions or recommendations, clarify the specific experiences that influenced your perspective. For instance, "The strategy is "based on first hand experiences" in leading similar projects, providing a practical and informed approach."
Common error
Avoid stating that something is "based on first hand experiences" without providing specific examples or details. Ensure that you offer sufficient context to support the claim and demonstrate the relevance of those experiences.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "based on first hand experiences" functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a statement by indicating that the statement's basis lies in personal, direct encounters or observations. This provides context for understanding the origin and reliability of the information presented.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Wiki
11%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "based on first hand experiences" is a prepositional phrase used to add credibility and authority to a statement by indicating its origin in direct, personal encounters. While commonly employed, Ludwig suggests using the more grammatically precise phrasing "based on firsthand experiences". The phrase appears frequently in news media and scientific contexts and maintains a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific examples to add context and demonstrate the value of those experiences.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
based on firsthand accounts
Replaces "experiences" with "accounts", focusing on personal narratives.
derived from direct personal experience
Uses a different verb and specifies "direct personal experience" for emphasis.
informed by personal observation
Highlights the role of observation in shaping understanding.
grounded in practical experience
Emphasizes the practical aspect of the experience.
stemming from personal involvement
Focuses on active participation and its impact.
based on lived experiences
Emphasizes the deeply personal and impactful nature of the experiences.
drawn from hands-on experience
Replaces "first hand" with "hands-on" to emphasize practical engagement.
based on direct interaction
Focuses on the directness of the interaction as a source of knowledge.
informed by experiential knowledge
Highlights the knowledge gained through experience.
from personal exposure
Highlights how personal exposure influences the argument.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "based on first hand experiences" to sound more formal?
For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "derived from direct personal experience", "informed by personal observation", or "grounded in practical experience". These alternatives, like "informed by personal observation", provide a professional tone for academic or business contexts.
What's the difference between "based on first hand experiences" and "based on second hand information"?
"Based on first hand experiences" refers to insights gained directly from personal involvement. In contrast, "based on second hand information" relies on reports or accounts from others. Raychaudhuri responded to Ramakrishnan's email requesting "not to form opinions based on second hand sources."
Is it grammatically correct to say "based on first hand experiences"?
While commonly used, it's more grammatically precise to say "based on firsthand experiences." The single word "firsthand" functions as an adjective modifying "experiences". Ludwig highlights that using "firsthand" improves grammatical correctness.
What are some synonyms for "based on first hand experiences"?
Synonyms include phrases like "based on firsthand accounts", "stemming from personal involvement", or "based on lived experiences", which emphasize the personal and direct nature of the experiences influencing a decision or perspective.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested