first encounters

USAGE SUMMARY

"first encounters" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, it is used to refer meet each other for the first time or the first time something is encountered, such as a situation or experience. For example: "He was nervous about his first encounter with his new boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Husna evoked those ripe first encounters.

The New Yorker

People seldom forget their first encounters with Nine Inch Nails.

The New Yorker

First encounters with enemy droids show off the enhanced combat.

The Guardian - Tech

When Giles first encounters the Creature, however, he doesn't flinch.

The New Yorker

But Polamalu offered some startling advice during one of their first encounters.

The New York Times - Sports

But your first encounters are bound to fail, so get used to it".

The New Yorker

Unlike so many fictional meetings, these elliptical, abortive exchanges feel like actual first encounters.

The New York Times

Here, each screener first encounters the Dial, the most storied and lasting component of television research.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They drew their first encounter.

Independent

It's their first encounter.

Independent

Here she first encountered Mr Sullivan.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In narratives, this phrase effectively sets a baseline for character development or scientific progression.

Common error

Do not confuse the plural noun phrase "first encounters" with the verb form where a subject "first encounters" (singular) something. While spelled the same, the noun phrase refers to a collection of events, whereas the verb form describes the action of a single entity.

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "first encounters" primarily functions as a plural noun phrase or a sequence of an adverb and a third-person singular verb. According to Ludwig, it most frequently serves as the subject or object in sentences describing the inception of a relationship or experience. It allows writers to group multiple initial events into a single thematic concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first encounters" is a versatile and correct expression used to describe the initial stages of a relationship, experience or discovery. Whether used as a plural noun to summarize several events or as a verb phrase to describe a singular action, it remains a staple of narrative and descriptive English. Ludwig AI highlights that it is particularly common in News & Media and Science, where establishing a point of origin is crucial. Writers should choose this phrase when they want to convey a sense of novelty or primary observation. Alternatives like <a href="/s/initial+encounters" target="_blank" rel="alternative">initial encounters can provide a more formal tone, while <a href="/s/first+meetings" target="_blank" rel="alternative">first meetings is better suited for purely social contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial encounters

More formal synonym often used in clinical or research contexts

first meetings

Restricts the context to interpersonal social interactions

first introductions

Focuses specifically on the social ritual of meeting someone new

early interactions

Focuses on the process rather than the singular moment of meeting

original contact

More technical or historical emphasis on the very first point of touch

first experiences

Broader scope covering feelings and impressions of an activity

preliminary sightings

Specially used for observations or spotting something from a distance

earliest brushes

More idiomatic and often implies a brief or incidental meeting

maiden voyages

Metaphorical use typically reserved for ships or new ventures

inaugural sessions

Highly formal, usually referring to conferences or official meetings

FAQs

How to use "first encounters" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe initial experiences, such as in the sentence: "His <a href="/s/first+encounters" target="_blank" rel="alternative">first encounters with the city were overwhelming yet exciting."

What is the difference between "first encounters" and "first meetings"?

While "<a href="/s/first+meetings" target="_blank" rel="alternative">first meetings" is mostly used for people, "first encounters" can apply to anything from an alien species to a new scientific phenomenon.

Can I use "initial encounters" instead?

Yes, "<a href="/s/initial+encounters" target="_blank" rel="alternative">initial encounters" is a perfectly valid and slightly more formal alternative often used in academic writing.

Is it "first encounter" or "first encounters"?

Both are correct depending on the number of events. Use "<a href="/s/first+encounter" target="_blank" rel="alternative">first encounter" for one singular event and "first encounters" for multiple instances or a general concept.