first day of school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first day of school" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the first day of a new school year or a student's first day at a new school. Example: "The first day of school is always a mix of nerves and excitement for students and teachers alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

LUCY FISHMAN Antsy on First Day of School Tuesday was the first day of school for Lucy Fishman's 3-year-old son, Jason.

The New York Times

Happy First Day of School, kids! "Quit stressing about your first day of school outfit.

Huffington Post

"God, first day of school.

The New Yorker

It's the first day of school.

The New York Times - Sports

I remember the first day of school.

The New Yorker

A mouse fears her first day of school.

The New York Times - Books

The first day of school we were all devastated.

The New York Times

"It was the first day of school," he said.

The New York Times

Getting ready for the first day of school.

The New York Times - Books

But what was your first day of school like?

The Guardian

She was not around for my first day of school.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the "first day of school", consider your audience and choose language that resonates with them. For younger audiences, use simpler and more emotive language. For older audiences, a more reflective or analytical tone may be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone's "first day of school" experience is the same. Individual experiences vary greatly based on age, school environment, and personal circumstances. Be mindful of diverse perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first day of school" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples include "The first day of school is always a mix of nerves and excitement" and "She was not around for my first day of school."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first day of school" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the beginning of a new academic year or a student's initial experience at a new school. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While its register is generally neutral, the phrase carries emotional weight, often associated with anticipation, excitement, or anxiety. When using "first day of school" in writing, consider your audience and avoid overgeneralizing the experience, as individual perspectives can vary greatly. Alternatives like "start of the school year" or "school opening day" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start of the school year

Focuses on the commencement of the academic year rather than a specific day.

school opening day

Emphasizes the opening or resumption of school activities.

initial day of classes

Highlights the beginning of instructional sessions.

first day back at school

Emphasizes the return to school after a break.

new school year begins

Describes the start of a new academic cycle.

academic year kickoff

Uses informal language to describe the start of the school year.

commencement of school

Formally refers to the start of school activities.

inaugural school day

Emphasizes the beginning or inauguration of the school year.

start of term

Focuses on the beginning of an academic term.

return to education

Highlights the resumption of educational activities.

FAQs

How can I make the "first day of school" less stressful for my child?

Prepare in advance by discussing expectations, practicing the route to school, and ensuring they have all necessary supplies. A positive attitude and open communication can also help.

What should I include in a story about the "first day of school"?

Focus on sensory details, emotional experiences, and interactions with others. Consider the perspective of the student, teacher, or parent to create a compelling narrative.

Which is correct, "first day of school" or "the first school day"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "first day of school" is more commonly used to refer to the start of the academic year. "The first school day" might refer to a specific day within the school calendar.

What are some common themes associated with the "first day of school"?

Common themes include anticipation, excitement, anxiety, new beginnings, and reunions with friends. Exploring these themes can add depth to your writing.