first and only break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first and only break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is the initial and singular opportunity for rest or pause in a sequence of events or activities. Example: "After hours of continuous work, this is your first and only break, so make sure to enjoy it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She also started a stream of desperate spinners and drop shots until she found herself handing Davenport her first and only break point of the first set in the ninth game.

The New York Times - Sports

Martinez did rebound a little in the second set, notching her first and only break of serve when the score was 4-0, but it was hardly enough to nullify her opponent's dominance.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Investors' nervousness about earnings was reinforced after Tellabs, a telecommunications equipment maker, joined the growing list of companies warning of disappointing financial results, as it cut its sales forecast by more than a third and said it would only break even in the quarter.

The New York Times

She is as normal as a cup of tea and more special than she might ever have imagined, never more so than when holding an Olympic gold medal on Thursday night, a first among firsts, not only breaking the duck for the Great Britain squad at these Games but leading the way for her sport.

The Guardian - Sport

Taking the train journey home up North was the first and only time I broke down and cried.

Independent

He took flight after cracking open a tight, serve-dominated first set by winning the only break point of the set.

The New York Times - Sports

A fantastic overhead shot shows that Modolo was the man to break first and only Cav went with him.

The Guardian - Sport

The brazenly populist all-cotton textiles, which shocked the sober Finns 50 years ago and gave them their first and only international fashion presence, are breaking cover now as a modern collectible that is rapidly turning into a cult.

The New York Times

By the way, this is the first and only time we see Simon breaking a 2 to 2 tie.

Huffington Post

Wakely and Adam Rossington dug in to provide resistance, putting on a stand of 74 for the fourth wicket, which was only broken by a good delivery from Matthew Potts to bowl Rossington for 43.

The Guardian - Sport

Unshaven and dishevelled, the former officer gave his first and only public interview for the film, breaking an unspoken omertà among officers that typically follows deadly encounters.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first and only break" to clearly communicate a single, unique opportunity for rest or interruption within a longer activity. This emphasizes its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "first and only break" when multiple short breaks are implied or possible. This phrase is best reserved for situations where a single, defined break exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first and only break" functions as a noun phrase acting as a determiner, specifying a particular instance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show it describing a singular opportunity within a longer activity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first and only break" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to emphasize a singular and unique opportunity for rest or pause within an activity. Ludwig AI confirms this. While relatively rare, it's found across various contexts, primarily in news, sports and general writing. When writing, reserve this phrase for situations where a single, defined break exists. Alternatives like "sole respite" or "single pause" may serve as synonyms depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole respite

Emphasizes the singularity of the break, using 'respite' to mean a short period of rest.

single pause

Focuses on the idea of a solitary moment of interruption or rest.

one-time recess

Highlights that the break is happening just once, using 'recess' as a short break.

unique intermission

Stresses the special nature of the break, using 'intermission' to indicate a temporary suspension.

only opportunity to rest

Clarifies the purpose of the break, focusing on it being the exclusive chance for relaxation.

singular moment of pause

Emphasizes a particular instant of stopping or resting, highlighting its uniqueness.

unrepeatable recess

Suggests that the break cannot be replicated or experienced again.

solitary moment of reprieve

Focuses on the relief provided by the break, emphasizing its lone occurrence.

exclusive chance to unwind

Highlights that the break provides the one and only opportunity to relax.

once-in-a-lifetime pause

Exaggerates the rarity of the break, implying it's a very uncommon occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "first and only break" in a sentence?

You can use "first and only break" to describe a unique opportunity for rest amidst ongoing activity. For example: "After working for six hours straight, this is your "first and only break", so make it count."

What are some alternatives to "first and only break"?

Alternatives include "sole respite", "single pause", or "only opportunity to rest", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "first and only break"?

While "only break" might suffice, "first and only break" emphasizes that this is both the initial and singular opportunity, reinforcing the unique nature of the break.

What's the difference between "first and only break" and "last break"?

"First and only break" implies that there will be no other breaks, while "last break" simply means it is the final break in a series of breaks, though others may have preceded it.