first I got

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first I got" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the initial action or event in a sequence of actions or experiences. Example: "First I got my degree, and then I started my career in marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

At first I got mad.

The New York Times

First I got rid of my books.

The New York Times

At first, I got lucky.

The New York Times - Travel

But first, I got down to business.

The New York Times - Food

At first I got cold feet".

The Guardian - Film

First I got 2 figs, then 5, then 20.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

First I get drunk.

Vice

First, I get lies, you see.

Huffington Post

First I get tired faster and I don't like people see me with the cane".

Plosone

And, for a second, I got it.

The Guardian - Music

Within a second, I got a migraine from depression.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of events, use "first I got" to clearly indicate the initial action or experience. Follow it with "then", "after that", or similar phrases to maintain clarity in the chronological order.

Common error

Avoid using "first I got" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your sentence structure with alternatives like "initially", "at first", or "to begin with" to enhance readability and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first I got" functions as a sequential marker in narrative or descriptive contexts. It introduces the initial element in a series of actions or experiences. Ludwig AI shows this in numerous examples, indicating its role in establishing chronological order.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first I got" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce the initial action or event in a sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, and while its register is generally neutral to informal, it is suitable for straightforward narratives. Remember to vary your sentence structure to avoid overuse. By understanding its function and context, you can use "first I got" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially, I obtained

Formal alternative emphasizing the act of receiving something at the beginning.

at the outset, I received

Highlights the beginning and the act of receiving.

to begin with, I acquired

Indicates a starting point and gaining possession.

in the beginning, I was given

Focuses on the initial stage and being the recipient.

first off, I took possession of

Informal alternative emphasizing the start and taking control.

the first thing I secured

Highlights securing or obtaining something as the priority.

my initial acquisition was

Formal way to describe the first item obtained.

the premiere item I landed

Emphasizing the fact of getting something, from an angle of success or luck.

my introduction to was through receiving

Describing how a topic or experience got to someone through a receival action

earliest on, I came to possess

Elegant way of explaining the action of coming to possess a topic

FAQs

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

Use "first I got" to introduce the initial action in a series of events. For example, "First I got my degree, then I started applying for jobs."

What are some alternatives to "first I got"?

You can use alternatives like "initially I obtained", "at the outset I received", or "to begin with I acquired" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "first I got"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "first I got", particularly in informal or narrative contexts. It clearly indicates the beginning of a sequence.

What's the difference between "first I got" and "at first I got"?

"First I got" implies a sequence, while "at first I got" indicates an initial impression or reaction that may have changed later. For example, "First I got a ticket, then I went to the concert" vs. "At first I got confused, but then I understood the instructions."