first child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first child" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used when describing the birth order of siblings or when discussing family dynamics. Example: "As the first child in her family, Sarah felt a lot of pressure to set a good example for her younger siblings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

With your first child?

The New Yorker

First child.

The New York Times - Sports

First child, Polly, is born.

Independent

Is this your first child?

The New York Times

My first child, Sateez, was born there.

The New York Times

Their first child was born in 2005.

The New Yorker

She is expecting their first child.

The New Yorker

YES NO For the first child, yes.

The New York Times

(The Bennetts named their first child Yoni).

The New Yorker

I'm expecting my first child next month.

The New York Times

She was carrying their first child.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing family dynamics or birth order, use "first child" to clearly indicate the initial offspring. This is especially useful in contexts where distinguishing between children is important for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "first child" automatically bears all the responsibilities within a family. While cultural norms may suggest this, it's important to recognize individual differences and avoid generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first child" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the initial offspring in a family. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where it acts as a subject or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first child" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts, predominantly within news, business and general media. It serves to clearly identify the initial offspring in a family, often carrying implications about roles and responsibilities. When writing, ensure clarity by using this phrase to distinguish individuals within a family structure, while avoiding stereotypical assumptions about the roles or qualities of the "first child".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firstborn

Emphasizes the act of being born first.

eldest child

Focuses on the child's position in the family based on age.

oldest offspring

Uses a more formal term for child, highlighting seniority.

the couple's first baby

Specifies the context of a couple having their first child.

initial offspring

A more formal phrasing.

the first addition to the family

Highlights the expansion of the family unit.

their first kid

An informal synonym.

the first arrival

Focuses on the event of the birth.

number one child

Emphasizes the ordinal position of the child.

the initial heir

A way to refer the first child, usually in the royal family or similar contexts.

FAQs

How to use "first child" in a sentence?

You can use "first child" to describe someone's position in their family, for example: "As the "first child", she often felt responsible for her younger siblings."

What can I say instead of "first child"?

Alternatives include "firstborn", "eldest child", or "oldest offspring", depending on the formality of the context.

Is it correct to say "the first child" or simply "first child"?

Both are correct, but "the "first child"" is more common when referring to a specific individual, while "first child" can be used in a general sense.

What are common responsibilities or expectations associated with being the "first child"?

While it varies by culture and family, the "first child" is often expected to be more responsible, set an example for younger siblings, and assist with childcare.