first and only time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'first and only time' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to an occasion when something happened that is likely to not happen again. For example: I saw a total eclipse of the sun for the first and only time in my life.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He spoke for the first and only time that afternoon.

The New Yorker

For the first and only time, Mr. Bush took on the political culture.

The New York Times

It was the first and only time he has stayed overnight in a hospital, he said.

The New York Times

It was the first and only time this season that Grinnell failed to score 100 points.

The New York Times - Sports

This may be the first and only time I ever defend Osborne.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was the first and only time Firth wrote under her own name.

The Guardian - Books

"This is the first and only time such action has been taken," he said.

The Guardian

It was the first and only time the Supreme Court has held a criminal trial.

The New York Times

They once sent him to New York, his first and only time.

The New Yorker

It was the first and only time I saw an Afghan adult woman's face.

The New York Times

On break point, Capriati double-faulted for the first and only time in the match.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first and only time" to add emphasis to the uniqueness of an event or experience, making it memorable for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "first and only time" to describe an activity that happens regularly or has the potential to be repeated. This diminishes its impact and introduces logical inconsistency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first and only time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates when an action or event occurred, emphasizing its unique and non-repeating nature. This is seen across numerous examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first and only time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the singularity of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's prevalent in news and media, wiki, and formal business contexts. While it might border on redundancy, it effectively underscores that an event happened once and is unlikely to happen again. When using the expression, it's important to ensure that it's not applied to repetitive actions to prevent logical inconsistencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only once

A simpler, more direct way to express a singular event.

sole occasion

Emphasizes that there were no other instances.

single instance

Focuses on the event as a solitary occurrence.

unique occurrence

Stresses the distinctiveness of the event.

a one-time event

Highlights the event's singularity and non-repeatability.

a singular event

Highlights the event as being one of a kind.

unrepeatable event

Focuses on the impossibility of the event happening again.

an isolated incident

Focuses on the event as a standalone occurrence, separate from other events.

never again

Expresses the sentiment that something will not recur.

once in a lifetime

Emphasizes the rarity and significance of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "first and only time" to describe an experience that happened once and is unlikely to happen again. For example, "It was the "first and only time" I visited Japan".

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

Some alternatives to "first and only time" include "sole occasion", "single instance", or "only once" depending on the specific context.

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

While the phrase "first and only time" might seem redundant, it emphasizes the singularity and finality of an event, making it a valid and commonly used expression.

Which is correct, "first and only time" or "the one and only time"?

Both "first and only time" and "the one and only time" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. The former emphasizes the sequence, while the latter highlights the uniqueness. Consider also "sole occasion".