come in first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come in first" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase that usually means to finish a competition or race in first place. For example, "Brian worked hard to come in first in the 5K race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We were assured: 'We need somebody to come in first.

The New York Times

"Lots of kids won't come in first period," he said.

The New York Times

If you come in first, you will have a rock-solid deal,' " he added.

The New York Times

We like to come in first, and there is nothing wrong with that.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'd love to see her come in first place, but if she doesn't, I'll accept that".

The New York Times

Whenever a tall, skinny boy runs past, I picture Lorenz racing to come in first.

The New Yorker

"Could he come in first?" said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

The New York Times

At the Olympic Games, you don't have to come in first to win".

The New York Times

JV Sylvie is desperate to come in first, but Theodora, how would you respond to that?

The Guardian

We have no illusion we'll come in first or even second".

The New York Times - Arts

Was this big finish enough to come in first in Nielsen's estimates on Tuesday?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come in first" to describe achieving the highest rank in a competition or race. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "come in first" when describing general success or priority in non-competitive situations. Instead, use phrases like "take precedence" or "be prioritized" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come in first" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It signifies the action of achieving the top position in a competition or ranking, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come in first" is a common and versatile expression used to describe achieving the highest rank or position in a competition or race. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like ""win first place"" or ""take the top spot"" exist, "come in first" remains a straightforward and universally understood way to express victory or success in a competitive setting. It's essential to use it appropriately, avoiding its application in non-competitive situations where other phrases might be more fitting. With its neutral register, "come in first" is suitable for both formal and informal communication, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

win first place

Replaces the verb "come" with the more direct verb "win", emphasizing the act of achieving victory.

take the top spot

Uses a more metaphorical expression focusing on the destination of being at the top.

finish in first position

Replaces "come in" with "finish", providing a slightly more formal tone and specifying "position".

be the victor

Emphasizes the state of being a winner, shifting the focus from the action to the result.

achieve first rank

Uses a more formal and structured phrasing, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

secure the lead

Focuses on obtaining and maintaining the leading position, adding a sense of competition.

top the ranks

Implies surpassing others to reach the highest position, suggesting a competitive environment.

emerge as the winner

Highlights the process of becoming the winner, adding a sense of progression and finality.

claim the gold

Uses a more evocative and metaphorical term for winning, particularly in the context of sports.

outpace the competition

Shifts the focus to exceeding the performance of competitors, emphasizing comparative success.

FAQs

How can I use "come in first" in a sentence?

You can use "come in first" to describe achieving the top position in a race or competition. For example, "She trained hard to "come in first" in the marathon."

What are some alternatives to saying "come in first"?

Alternatives include "win first place", "take the top spot", or "finish in first position". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "coming in first"?

Yes, "coming in first" is the present participle form and is grammatically correct. For instance, "Coming in first was her ultimate goal."

What does "come in first" mean?

The phrase "come in first" means to achieve the highest rank or position in a competition or race. It implies surpassing all other participants to reach the top spot.