first class of students

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first class of students" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial group of students in a particular course or program. Example: "The first class of students graduated with honors, setting a high standard for future cohorts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Rabia Turkman, 26, an actor, was one of the first class of students in 2007.

The New York Times

But roughly 30 of last year's first class of students have decided that Southampton isn't for them.

The New York Times

The Manhattan architect James Polshek was in the first class of students to be trained there, with Mr. Kahn himself as an instructor.

The New York Times

On April 3rd  Benchmark Capital announced that it will fund Minerva, which plans to welcome its first class of students in September 2014, to the tune of $25m one of the biggest seed investments of a leading Silicon Valley venture firm ever.

The Economist

Since Parsons began its M.F.A. program two years ago, with the financial support of Ms. Karan, there has been a lot of industry interest in the first class of students and whether they will be able to elevate the image of Parsons to the level of its London rival, Central Saint Martins, which has long had a master's program.

The New York Times

The organization is currently recruiting its first class of students.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A test retest study viewed the performance of a third class of students enrolled in Spring 2013.

CBE Life Sciences Education

In addition, Mr. Farris is the founder and president of Patrick Henry College, the nation's first post-secondary institution designed for home-schooled students and a training ground for Christian political advocates, which will take its first class of 100 students this fall.

The New York Times

The first class of Boulder Digital Works students began in October 2009.

The New York Times

The branch's first class of nine students will graduate in September.

The New York Times

Mr. Ozawa hopes to admit the first class of 20 students next year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the "first class of students", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific program, institution, or year you are discussing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "first class of students" in a way that suggests later classes are inferior. Focus on the unique experiences and contributions of that initial group without diminishing the value of subsequent cohorts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first class of students" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in diverse contexts, from describing students at a new school to those completing a new curriculum.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first class of students" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the initial group of students in a program or institution. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and numerous examples demonstrate its use across various contexts, from news articles to scientific publications. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, its usage often highlights the pioneering role of these students. It is important to use the phrase accurately, providing sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and ensuring that it does not inadvertently imply that later classes are inferior. Alternative phrases such as "inaugural student cohort" or "founding student body" can be used to add nuance or avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inaugural student cohort

Replaces "first class" with "inaugural" and "of students" with "student cohort", emphasizing the beginning of a program or institution.

initial student intake

Uses "initial student intake" to denote the first group of students admitted, focusing on the admission process.

premier group of learners

Substitutes "first class" with "premier group", highlighting the quality and distinction of the students.

founding student body

Employs "founding student body" to refer to the students who were present at the establishment of an institution or program.

first group of pupils

Replaces "students" with "pupils", typically used for younger learners.

original student enrollment

Uses "original student enrollment" to describe the initial number of students who registered.

pioneer student generation

Highlights the role of the students as pioneers or trailblazers.

maiden student year

Uses "maiden student year" to emphasize the inaugural year of studies for the students.

first set of enrollees

Focuses on the act of enrolling and refers to the students as "enrollees".

introductory student division

Replaces "class" with "division", implying a structured grouping of students.

FAQs

How can I use "first class of students" in a sentence?

You can use "first class of students" to refer to the initial group of students in a program, such as, "The "first class of students" at the new medical school showed great promise."

What are some alternatives to saying "first class of students"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "inaugural student cohort", "initial student intake", or "founding student body".

Is it appropriate to use "first class of students" in formal writing?

Yes, "first class of students" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to refer to the initial group of students in a program or institution.

What's the difference between "first class of students" and "graduating class"?

"First class of students" refers to the initial group of students entering a program. "Graduating class" refers to the students who are completing their studies in a particular year.