first encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

"first encounter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to the first time someone experiences something or meets someone. For example: My first encounter with the Mediterranean Sea was incredibly memorable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's their first encounter.

Independent

They drew their first encounter.

Independent

(This was her first encounter with Dracula).

The New Yorker

"After that first encounter, it's done.

The New York Times

That starts with the first encounter.

The New Yorker

After our first encounter, I Googled him.

The New York Times

When did you first encounter Monty Python?

The New Yorker

This was my first encounter with Denis.

Independent

It wasn't their first encounter.

The New York Times - Style

Sona described their first encounter.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was love at first encounter.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first encounter" to describe a novel experience or the initial meeting of people or things. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Ensure you're truly referring to the very first instance. Using "first encounter" when describing a repeated event weakens the phrase's impact. Use "subsequent encounter" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first encounter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively denotes the initial instance of meeting someone or experiencing something. Examples from Ludwig show it in diverse contexts, like describing someone's first experience or a crucial first meeting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first encounter" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that describes an initial meeting or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, from personal anecdotes to formal reports. Its prevalence across news, academic, and science sources indicates its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the very first instance of an interaction and consider alternatives like ""initial meeting"" or ""premiere experience"" depending on the context. Avoiding misuse in subsequent encounters will maintain the phrase's intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial meeting

Focuses specifically on a meeting as the first interaction.

first meeting

Slightly more general than initial meeting, implying the first of possibly many meetings.

initial introduction

Emphasizes the act of being introduced for the first time.

maiden encounter

More formal and literary, suggesting a significant first experience.

premiere experience

Highlights the novelty and significance of the first time doing something.

inaugural experience

Formal and often used for events, indicating the first of its kind.

first impression

Focuses on the immediate effect or feeling created during the first interaction.

first contact

Often used in scientific or exploratory contexts, referring to the first time two entities meet.

early exposure

Highlights the initial experience or introduction to something.

original experience

Emphasizes the uniqueness and unrepeatability of the first-time feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "first encounter" in a sentence?

You can use "first encounter" to describe the initial meeting with a person, object, or experience. For example, "Their "initial meeting" was awkward" or "My "premiere experience" with Italian food was in Rome".

What's a more formal way to say "first encounter"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "initial introduction" or "maiden encounter". These alternatives add a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Is it ever appropriate to use "first encounter" in a scientific context?

Yes, "first encounter" can be appropriate in scientific contexts, particularly when describing the initial observation or interaction with a phenomenon. A good alternative is "first contact".

What is the difference between "first encounter" and "first impression"?

"First encounter" refers to the initial meeting or experience itself, while "first impression" refers to the initial feeling or judgment formed during that encounter. The former is about the event, the latter about the perception.