first encountered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first encountered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initial meeting or discovery of something or someone. Example: "The concept was first encountered in the early 20th century by researchers studying human behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here she first encountered Mr Sullivan.

Independent

I first encountered Chris online.

The Guardian - Books

She first encountered Greene in 1960.

The Guardian - Books

He first encountered Watkins in spring 2010.

The Guardian - Film

This was when I first encountered him.

The Guardian

I first encountered bullies at the age of four.

The Guardian

I first encountered Burgers's act on last year's Edinburgh fringe.

The Guardian

Savoy was also where he first encountered Ms. Stephens.

The New York Times

Mark says he was 14 when he first encountered Nardo.

The Guardian

I first encountered Cavafy in my late teens.

The Guardian - Books

At least they are when they're first encountered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about discovering a concept or idea, consider using "first encountered" to indicate the initial exposure, adding context about where or how this encounter occurred.

Common error

Ensure clarity by specifying who "first encountered" what. Without context, the phrase can be vague. For instance, instead of just stating "the problem was first encountered", specify "researchers first encountered the problem in 1999".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first encountered" typically functions as part of a verb phrase, indicating when someone or something initially came into contact with a person, idea, or object. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Books

13%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Tech

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first encountered" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe an initial meeting, discovery, or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it is important to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity. Consider alternatives like "initially met" or "initially discovered" to suit the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoiding ambiguity is key to effective communication when using this phrase. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, "first encountered" serves as a valuable tool for establishing context and narrating experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first met

A simpler and more direct way of saying "first encountered", emphasizing the act of meeting.

initially met

Focuses on the meeting aspect, replacing "encountered" with a more personal term.

initially discovered

Emphasizes the act of discovery rather than a meeting.

first experienced

Highlights the experiential aspect of the encounter.

came across for the first time

Adds emphasis to the experience of the initial encounter.

found for the first time

Focuses on the finding or discovery aspect.

was introduced to

Emphasizes the introduction to something or someone.

had my first experience with

Personalizes the encounter, highlighting it as a personal experience.

first became aware of

Focuses on becoming conscious or knowledgeable about something.

pioneered

Highlights the innovative nature of the first encounter, suggesting the subject was new or groundbreaking.

FAQs

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

Use "first encountered" to describe the initial meeting, discovery, or experience of something or someone. For example: "I "first encountered" this author's work in college."

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

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "initially discovered", "initially observed", or "primarily encountered".

Are there synonyms for "first encountered" that emphasize discovery?

Yes, you can use synonyms like "initially discovered", "first discovered", or "uncovered for the first time" to highlight the element of discovery.

Is it correct to say "initially encountered" instead of "first encountered"?

Yes, "initially encountered" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to ""first encountered"". Both phrases convey the same meaning of an initial meeting or discovery.