first collision with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first collision with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initial encounter or interaction with something, often in contexts related to accidents, conflicts, or significant events. Example: "The first collision with the asteroid was a pivotal moment in the mission, altering our understanding of space debris."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There was supposed to be a security crisis but the fear of it did not survive the first collision with an amiable paratrooper.

Independent

Injuries to Ashley Cole, who limped out of the stadium heavily, and John Obi Mikel, were other reasons to provide Ancelotti with a less than carefree journey home as he contemplated his first collision with the elite of the Premier League when Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge next weekend.

Independent

Simpson's high-profile trial over the hotel room break-in was not nearly as sensational as his first collision with the justice system.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The odyssey ends, 26 years after the first collisions, with the dual horror of the Higgs boson potentially being found to be a hoax and a bunch of teenagers who failed to win X Factor topping the charts.

The Guardian

The first collision came with the release of the Republican report on the killings of four U.S. citizens in Benghazi, Libya, one of the low points of Clinton's tenure as secretary of State.

Los Angeles Times

What follows is a gripping account of that "first collision" that so excited Churchill beginning with Austria-Hungary's cack-handed assault on Serbia and ending, as the winter rains set in, with opposing lines of muddy trenches stretching from the Channel to Switzerland in the west and from the Baltic to Romania in the east.

The Economist

It was the first collision since The Collision.

The New York Times

The first serious collision with Republicans and Mr. Bush came in the spring when Democrats first tried to condition $120 billion in war spending on a deadline for withdrawal.

The New York Times

Although he finished only sixth on Sunday there were elements of greatness for his car had been damaged in his first lap collision with Bruno Senna, and then he lost radio contact with his team.

The Guardian - Sport

The Force India driver retired after a first lap collision with Sauber's Adrian Sutil that dumped the German out of the race and forced the deployment of the safety car while debris was cleared.

Independent

In the first, a collision with a motorcycle in a race in Montreal, her frame broke and ripped open her knee and she also severely bruised her arm; in late June, having recovered enough to win the British national championship, she aggravated the knee injury.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first collision with" to clearly indicate the initial point of impact, conflict, or interaction. This phrase is particularly effective when establishing a timeline or sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "first collision with" when describing abstract concepts or experiences where a less forceful term like "encounter" or "interaction" would be more appropriate. For example, consider using "first encounter with the justice system" rather than "first collision with the justice system" when the context is not strictly about physical interaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first collision with" functions as a nominal phrase, acting as a noun that typically serves as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it accurately describes an initial impactful encounter.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first collision with" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes an initial impactful encounter or conflict, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively uncommon, with limited examples across authoritative sources, it effectively serves to pinpoint the start of a sequence of events. Its register is generally neutral, leaning towards professional, making it suitable for news reports and factual accounts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the implication of a forceful or impactful meeting, opting for softer alternatives like "first encounter with" for more abstract situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial impact with

Focuses on the physical impact or immediate consequence of the first encounter.

first encounter with

Replaces "collision" with a more general term, suitable for non-physical situations.

initial clash with

Suggests a conflict or disagreement as the primary element of the first meeting.

first confrontation with

Emphasizes a direct and often hostile meeting or opposition.

maiden contact with

Emphasizes novelty and a sense of discovery related to the first interaction.

first run-in with

Conveys an unplanned, often negative, first experience.

first engagement with

Implies active participation or involvement in the first encounter.

first experience with

Highlights the personal or subjective aspect of the initial interaction.

first interaction with

A neutral and general term for an initial meeting or communication.

first brush with

Suggests a brief or superficial first encounter.

FAQs

How can I use "first collision with" in a sentence?

You can use "first collision with" to describe an initial impact or encounter, such as "The athlete's "first collision with" the barrier resulted in a minor injury".

What are some alternatives to "first collision with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "initial impact with", "first encounter with", or "first interaction with".

Is "first collision with" appropriate for abstract situations?

While grammatically correct, "first collision with" is best suited for situations involving a physical or impactful encounter. For abstract situations, consider using "first experience with" or "initial contact with".

What is the difference between "first collision with" and "first encounter with"?

"First collision with" implies a forceful or impactful meeting, whereas "first encounter with" is a more general term that can refer to any initial meeting or experience, regardless of its intensity.