first endeavor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first endeavor" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person's initial attempt or effort at something. For example: - My first endeavor as a writer was met with little success, but I continued to work hard and eventually became a bestselling author. - The company's first endeavor into the international market was a risky move, but it ended up being a huge success. - As a new entrepreneur, my first endeavor was to create a unique product that would stand out in the market.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Sam's first endeavor after college (he dropped out of U.S.C).

The New Yorker

Condoleezza Rice chose a losing proposition for her first endeavor at hard-nosed diplomacy.

The New York Times

It is the first endeavor to implement THINC scheme with adaptive mesh for computing the compressible multiphase problems.

Journal of Computational Physics

As a first endeavor, the dynamic response of functionally graded (FG) plates under a moving heat source is investigated.

Composites Part B: Engineering

It is also the first endeavor to estimate FSC values by combining terrain and snow/non-snow reflectance data.

Remote Sensing of Environment

How many matchmaking successes has Mr. Ardabili had since his first endeavor to pair Mahmoud Etemadar and Elaheh?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

In other words, it seems that those who want to lead are well served by first endeavoring to follow.

Harvard Business Review

Its first endeavors will be a lecture in March on "growing up digital" and a conference in April on transgender issues.

The New York Times

Among the group's first endeavors has been to call for the ouster of Kevin Jennings, an Obama education official who previously founded the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.

The New York Times - Magazine

It could be one of the first endeavors to show the magnitude and the texture of the problem at the same time.

The New Yorker

One of the first endeavors, in February and March, was a collaboration with the British Council to show the organization's extensive collection of British contemporary art in the run-up to the Shanghai World Expo.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first endeavor" to clearly indicate the beginning of a project or activity, particularly when emphasizing the effort and commitment involved. This phrase is suitable for formal and professional contexts, adding a touch of sophistication.

Common error

While "first endeavor" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal or stilted in very casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "first try" or "first attempt" in informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first endeavor" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies an initial attempt or undertaking. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first endeavor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to denote an initial attempt or undertaking, carrying a formal tone suitable for professional, academic, and scientific contexts. While simpler alternatives exist for casual settings, "first endeavor" effectively highlights the effort and commitment involved in a new venture. Analysis of various sources reveals that its use is most common in science, news, and academic writing, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and ScienceDirect often employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial undertaking

Replaces "endeavor" with a more formal term, emphasizing the commitment involved.

first step

Focuses on the initial action taken in a series of steps.

first attempt

More direct and less formal, emphasizing the act of trying.

inaugural effort

Highlights the formal beginning of a project or activity.

maiden voyage

Implies a literal or figurative journey, often associated with ships or new ventures.

opening gambit

Suggests a strategic move at the beginning of a process.

pilot project

Emphasizes the experimental nature of the initial effort.

groundbreaking initiative

Highlights the innovative and precedent-setting nature of the endeavor.

early stage

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the beginning, rather than the effort itself.

starting point

Emphasizes the beginning of a journey or process, often in a metaphorical sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "first endeavor" to describe an initial attempt or undertaking, such as, "His "first endeavor" as a playwright was a success" or "The company's "first endeavor" into sustainable energy proved challenging".

What are some alternatives to "first endeavor"?

Some alternatives to "first endeavor" include "initial undertaking", "first attempt", or "inaugural effort". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "first endeavor" more formal than "first attempt"?

Yes, "first endeavor" is generally considered more formal than "first attempt". "Endeavor" itself carries a slightly more elevated and committed tone compared to the more straightforward "attempt".

When is it appropriate to use "first endeavor"?

It's appropriate to use "first endeavor" in professional, academic, or formal contexts where you want to convey a sense of purpose and effort in an initial undertaking. Avoid using it in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives might be more suitable.