first come

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first come" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as part of the phrase "first come, first served," meaning that the first person to arrive or do something will be the first to receive something or have a chance at something. Example: "The limited edition shoes were being sold on a first come, first served basis, and there was a long line of eager customers waiting outside the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

First come first served?

The New York Times

First come, first served.

Harvard University

First come, first seated.

Columbia University

First come the artists.

The New York Times

First come the suitcases.

The New York Times

Reservations are first come, first served.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

First came the dreams.

The New York Times

First came "denial".

The Economist

FIRST came the truckers.

The Economist

First came the guns.

The New York Times

First comes the recruitment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first come" in a sentence, ensure it's clear what the 'coming' refers to. For instance, specify "first come to the registration table" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "first come" without clarifying the situation. Saying just "first come" can be confusing if the context isn't immediately apparent to the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first come" functions as an adverbial modifier, often implied within the fuller idiom "first come, first served". It indicates a condition of precedence based on the order of arrival or action, as Ludwig AI also confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first come", most often seen in the expression "first come, first served", is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to establish priority based on arrival or order of request. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and appears in various contexts, ranging from news articles to academic papers. Its meaning is generally understood, but it's crucial to provide context for clarity. Alternatives like "earliest arrival" or "first in line" can offer similar meaning. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foremost arrival

Synonymous with "first come", stressing the order of arrival.

earliest arrival

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of being the first to arrive.

first in line

Indicates being at the front of a queue.

initial appearance

Focuses on the act of appearing before others.

early bird

An idiomatic expression for someone who arrives early.

lead entrant

Highlights the role of being the first to enter a competition or situation.

original participant

Focuses on being among the first to take part.

first off the mark

Describes being the first to start or begin.

front runner

Implies leading a race or competition.

pioneer

Highlights being the first to explore or develop something.

FAQs

How is "first come" typically used?

The phrase "first come" is often used in the expression "first come, first served", indicating that those who arrive or request something first will be prioritized. It suggests a system where advantage is given based on order of arrival or application.

What does "first come, first served" mean?

The idiom "first come, first served" signifies that goods or services are provided to those who arrive or request them earliest. You could use alternatives like "earliest arrival" or "first in line" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "first come"?

Yes, "first come" is grammatically correct, especially within the common idiom "first come, first served". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

What are some situations where I might encounter "first come, first served"?

You might encounter "first come, first served" in situations like event seating, limited-edition product sales, or when applying for permits. In these cases, alternatives could be "priority given to early arrivals" or "the earlier, the better".