first encountering with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first encountering with" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would typically be "first encounter" or "first encountering." Example: "During my first encounter with the new software, I found it quite user-friendly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We found that when first encountering with an ECM-patterned substrate, fish keratocytes can selectively adhere and migrate along the FBN paths only for a limited period of time, then the cell's response to substrate guidance becomes adaptive or desensitized.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 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

Does he remember his first encounter with Turner's painting?

The Guardian - Film

My first encounter with the chimpanzees was unexpectedly intimate.

The Guardian - Travel

This is my first encounter with a pike.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My first encounter with Mike Nichols was entirely characteristic.

The Guardian - Film

I remember very clearly my first encounter with politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bekele remembers his first encounter with Lunar House.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an initial interaction, use the more grammatically sound phrase "first encounter with" instead of "first encountering with". For example: "My first encounter with the software was positive".

Common error

Avoid using the gerund form after "first". Opt for the noun "encounter" to maintain grammatical correctness. Instead of "first encountering", use "first encounter with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first encountering with" functions as a modifier describing an initial interaction or experience. While it attempts to describe the start of an interaction, Ludwig AI indicates that it's not considered grammatically correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "first encountering with" aims to describe an initial interaction, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. The preferred and more professional alternative is "first encounter with". Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, suggesting that writers should opt for the grammatically sound version to maintain clarity and professionalism in their writing. Although the phrase appears in some sources, sticking to "first encounter with" ensures better acceptance and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first encounter with

Replaces the gerund form with a noun, making the phrase grammatically standard.

initial meeting with

Substitutes "encounter" with "meeting" to emphasize a formal interaction.

first experience with

Uses "experience" instead of "encounter" to highlight personal involvement.

initial contact with

Emphasizes the beginning of communication or interaction.

first introduction to

Highlights the act of being newly presented with something.

original interaction with

Focuses on the unique and unprecedented aspect of the interaction.

very first time experiencing

Adds emphasis to the novelty and uniqueness of the experience.

primary exposure to

Emphasizes the initial revealing or unfolding of something.

inaugural engagement with

Suggests a more formal or significant initial involvement.

maiden experience of

Uses a more literary or archaic tone to convey the initial experience.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "first encountering with"?

No, the more grammatically correct phrase is "first encounter with". The phrase "first encountering with" is considered non-standard.

What's the difference between "first encounter with" and "first encountering with"?

"First encounter with" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. "First encountering with" is less common and considered incorrect by many native English speakers.

How can I rephrase "first encountering with" to sound more professional?

Use alternatives such as "initial meeting with", "first experience with", or simply "first encounter with".

When is it appropriate to use "first encountering with"?

While some sources may use "first encountering with", it is generally advisable to use "first encounter with" in formal writing. You might see "first encountering with" in less formal or edited contexts, but it's best to avoid it.