first encounter with

USAGE SUMMARY

"first encounter with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you want to describe the first time you experienced something or interacted with someone. For example: "My first encounter with the ocean left me feeling amazed and awe-struck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(This was her first encounter with Dracula).

The New Yorker

This was my first encounter with Denis.

Independent

He relived his first encounter with it.

The New York Times - Style

It was her first encounter with misogyny.

The Guardian

This was not my first encounter with homophobia, but it was my first encounter with racism.

The New York Times

It wasn't my first encounter with the impact investing approach.

Cornell University

"That was my first encounter with the theater.

The New York Times - Style

More significant was Laszlo's first encounter with Hill.

The Guardian - Film

My first encounter with this occurred one night on call.

The Washington Post

My first encounter with Phyllis came on the page.

The Guardian - Books

This wasn't Massad's first encounter with the law.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first encounter with" to clearly indicate the initial experience or interaction, setting the context for subsequent events or developments.

Common error

Avoid using "meeting" when "encounter" better captures an unexpected or incidental experience. "Meeting" implies a planned or deliberate interaction, while "encounter" can be more spontaneous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first encounter with" functions as a modifier introducing a specific event. It typically precedes a noun phrase indicating the subject of the encounter, setting the stage for a narrative or description, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first encounter with" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe an initial experience or meeting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and functions to introduce a subject or set the context for a narrative. Its frequency across diverse sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic institutions demonstrates its widespread acceptance. While alternatives such as "initial experience with" or "first meeting with" exist, "first encounter with" provides a distinct emphasis on the novelty and impact of the initial interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first meeting with

Substitutes "encounter" with "meeting", emphasizing the act of coming together or making contact.

initial experience with

Replaces "encounter" with a more general term for experience, suitable when the focus is on the event rather than the interaction.

early experience with

Focuses on the timing of the experience as being at the beginning of something.

first exposure to

Emphasizes the state of being subjected to something for the first time.

introduction to

Highlights the act of being presented or exposed to something new.

original interaction with

Highlights that this is the very first time interacting with someone or something.

entry into

Suggests a deeper involvement or immersion than a simple encounter.

induction into

Suggests a formal or ceremonial introduction.

debut with

Specifies that this is a first public appereance.

baptism of fire

Implies a challenging or difficult first experience.

FAQs

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

Use "first encounter with" to describe an initial experience or meeting. For example, "Her "first encounter with" the city was overwhelming."

What are some alternatives to "first encounter with"?

You can use alternatives like "initial experience with", "first meeting with", or "introduction to" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify "first" when describing an encounter?

No, specifying "first" is not always necessary. If the context already makes it clear that you are referring to the initial encounter, you can simply use "encounter with". However, using "first" adds emphasis and clarity.

What is the difference between "first encounter with" and "early experience with"?

"First encounter with" emphasizes the very first time something was experienced. "Early experience with", on the other hand, suggests that it was among the initial experiences, but not necessarily the absolute first. The nuance lies in the degree of specificity regarding the timing.