far from the first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far from the first" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not the earliest or initial occurrence in a series or context. Example: "This is far from the first time we've faced challenges in our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He was far from the first.

The Guardian

Ai's was far from the first video of its kind.

The New Yorker

These are far from the first op-ed rallying cries about Wall Street's campus recruiting programs.

The New York Times

It is far from the first time that Irish and African-American dance have crossed paths.

The New York Times - Arts

Bavaria is far from the first brand to run afoul of FIFA.

The New York Times

Mr. Malick is far from the first Texan to appreciate Mr. Turrell.

The New York Times

It will be far from the first cinematic depiction of a presidential romance.

Independent

He was far from the first to tie minimalist hygiene in the home to moral purity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is far from the first domain name dispute involving a celebrity or other established name.

Forbes

Dunlap is far from the first artist whose work scrutinized the darkest of criminal minds.

Huffington Post

But these are far from the first symptoms.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far from the first" to provide context and show that a situation or action is not unique, thereby lessening surprise or emphasizing a pattern. This can add depth to your writing by suggesting a history or trend.

Common error

Avoid using "far from the first" in situations where it's overly obvious or where a simpler phrase like "not the first" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far from the first" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the subject being described is not unique or original, and that similar instances have occurred before. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far from the first" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something isn't new or unique. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as an adjectival phrase, adding context by suggesting a recurring pattern. While versatile, it's best used when the non-novelty adds meaningful insight. Ludwig examples showcase its prevalence in news and media, but it also sees use in science and business. Alternatives such as "not the only one" or "has happened before" offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has happened before

This alternative directly states that similar events have transpired previously.

not the only one

This alternative emphasizes the lack of uniqueness, focusing on there being others in the same situation.

others have done it

This alternative emphasizes that other individuals or entities have engaged in the same action.

not unprecedented

This alternative suggests the situation has occurred before, highlighting the lack of novelty.

nothing new

This is a concise way of saying the situation is familiar and not surprising.

not a novel occurrence

This phrase focuses on the lack of originality or newness of the event.

a common occurrence

This alternative indicates that the event is not rare and happens regularly.

not the pioneer

This alternative focuses on the lack of leadership or being the first to do something.

part of a trend

This alternative suggests the situation aligns with a broader movement or direction.

follows a pattern

This phrase emphasizes the existence of a recurring trend or established behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "far from the first" in a sentence?

You can use "far from the first" to indicate that something has happened before or that someone is not the first person to do something. For example, "This is "far from the first" time this issue has been raised".

What phrases are similar to "far from the first"?

Similar phrases include "not the only one", "not unprecedented", or "has happened before".

Is it better to say "not the first" or "far from the first"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Not the first" is simpler and more direct, while "far from the first" emphasizes that it's a recurring or common occurrence.

Can "far from the first" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "far from the first" can be used in formal writing. Ludwig examples show its usage in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.