first days of December

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first days of December" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the initial days of the month of December, often in contexts related to events, plans, or seasonal changes. Example: "During the first days of December, the town begins to prepare for the holiday festivities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This did not begin in November or in the first days of December.

The New York Times

To answer your questions: We hope for an hour-long interview, in the first days of December if possible.

The Guardian

In the first days of December, for instance, an unnamed defense intelligence officer who had interrogated Lindh sent a classified cable to Washington filled with faulty assumptions.

The New Yorker

In the first days of December, Chinese forces were threatening to annihilate American troops who had advanced far into North Korea, approaching the border with China.

The New York Times

The major indexes fell about 3percenttotheireir lowest point since the first days of December, wiping out a month of gradual gains.

The New York Times

The tree-lighting ceremony, the kickoff to Christmas in the city, always takes place in the last days of November or first days of December, Ms. Ross said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The first days of May clicked by.

The New York Times

And in the first days of August, the stream of refugees reached flood proportions.

The New Yorker

Last week, Bloomberg News reported that Walmart's sales in the first days of February were abysmal.

The New Yorker

I got back into Gaza in the first days of January.

The Guardian

It is the second time in three years that Casey has suffered a significant injury in the first days of April.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "first days of December", ensure it's clear whether you mean the very start of the month (December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd) or the entire first week. Be specific if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "first days of December" in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "early December" or "beginning of December" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first days of December" functions as a temporal adverbial phrase, specifying when an event or situation occurs. It modifies a verb or clause by providing a timeframe within the month of December. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first days of December" is a grammatically correct and usable temporal phrase referring to the beginning of December. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for written English, and its function is to provide temporal context. While often interchangeable with alternatives like "early December", or "beginning of December", it carries a slightly more formal tone. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with less frequent usage in scientific or formal business settings. When employing this phrase, clarity is key – ensure your audience understands whether you mean the very start of the month or the entire first week.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

early December

This is a shorter and more common way to refer to the "first days of December".

in early December

Similar to early December but adding 'in' makes it slightly more verbose

beginning of December

This alternative emphasizes the start of the month.

start of December

Similar to "beginning of December", this option also highlights the commencement of the month.

initial days of December

This is a more formal way of saying "first days of December".

opening days of December

This alternative provides a slightly different nuance, suggesting the unfolding or commencement of December.

first week of December

This specifies a slightly longer period than just the "first days".

around December first

This phrase indicates a time frame centered on December 1st.

just after November

This phrase indirectly references the "first days of December" by referring to the period following November.

the dawn of December

This offers a more poetic or figurative way to describe the start of December.

FAQs

How can I use "first days of December" in a sentence?

You can use "first days of December" to refer to a period shortly after the start of the month, as in, "The decorations went up during the "first days of December"".

What are some alternatives to "first days of December"?

Alternatives include "early December", "beginning of December", or "start of December". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "early December" or "first days of December"?

Both are correct, but "early December" is generally more concise and commonly used in everyday language. "First days of December" can sound slightly more formal or descriptive.

What is implied by "first days of December"?

The phrase "first days of December" typically implies the initial few days of the month, often associated with the start of winter festivities and preparations for the holiday season.