first appeared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first appeared" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that was introduced or seen for the first time. For example, "The iPhone first appeared in 2007."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This first appeared in Granta.

The New York Times - Books

Marwan first appeared around 11 a.m.

The New York Times

The original "Rules" first appeared in 1995.

The New Yorker

The flu first appeared in March.

The New York Times - Science

Batgirl first appeared in Detective Comics no.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This article first appeared on The Conversation.

Independent

Bellarmine's autobiography first appeared in 1675.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During this period bronze first appeared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Arse" first appeared in English around 1000.

Independent

Encyclopedia Britannica first appeared in 1768.

The New Yorker

True, a monthly, first appeared in 1937.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first appeared" to provide historical context or trace the development of ideas, technologies, or cultural trends.

Common error

Avoid using "first appeared" when you intend to describe something's current state or ongoing presence. This phrase specifically references a past event of initial occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first appeared" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initial occurrence or introduction of something. This expression is commonly used to establish a timeline or history, pinpointing when a specific event, concept, or item became known or visible, as Ludwig AI examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first appeared" is a versatile phrase used to denote the initial occurrence or introduction of something, and Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts for establishing historical context. When writing, use it to clearly indicate the initial emergence of a concept or product while avoiding its misuse in describing current states. Consider alternatives like "debuted" or "originated" for stylistic variation. "First appeared" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

debuted

Implies a formal or initial presentation to the public.

originated

Focuses on the point of origin or creation.

emerged

Suggests a gradual coming into view or existence.

arose

Indicates the beginning or start of something, often unexpectedly.

began

A general term for the commencement of something.

commenced

A more formal way of saying "began".

was introduced

Highlights the act of bringing something new into use or knowledge.

saw its inception

Emphasizes the initial stage of something's existence or development.

had its genesis

Implies a beginning or origin, often with connotations of development or evolution.

was unveiled

Suggests a formal or public presentation of something previously hidden or unknown.

FAQs

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

Use "first appeared" to indicate when something was initially introduced or observed. For example, "The term 'artificial intelligence' "first appeared" in the mid-1950s."

What can I say instead of "first appeared"?

You can use alternatives like "debuted", "originated", or "emerged" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "first appeared" or "first appears"?

"First appeared" is used for past events, while "first appears" is for describing something that is currently happening. For instance, "The problem "first appeared" last year," versus, "The solution "first appears" to be working now."

What's the difference between "first appeared" and "initially emerged"?

"First appeared" is more general and can apply to any initial showing, while "initially emerged" often implies a gradual or developmental process. You might say, "The product "first appeared" in stores," but "The theory "initially emerged" from years of research."