first enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first enemy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial opponent or adversary in a particular context, such as a story, game, or personal experience. Example: "In the video game, the first enemy you encounter is a small goblin that tests your combat skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

They [the government] are the first enemy.

The Guardian

"France is the first enemy of the people of Congo.

The Guardian

"Staying home is a drug addict's first enemy.

The New York Times

"We look at the garbage truck as our first enemy," he said.

The New York Times

"We are the Taliban's first enemy," said Shahi Syed, the party's provincial head, at his newly fortified office.

The New York Times

Israel shot down its first enemy plane, an Egyptian Spitfire, in the hours after its declaration of independence in 1948.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Of the Kosovo Albanians, his first enemies, Mr. Milosevic could say that they were intent on a "demographic genocide" against the Serbs -- a reference to their high birthrate.

The New York Times

In fact there were such men, but the first "enemies" the patriotic rebels of South Carolina killed in 1775 were unarmed escaped slaves in Charleston harbor.

The New York Times - Books

MB Life and Times: Episodes 1-5 This epic postmodern pop opera – from New York's Nature Theater of Oklahoma company – charts the extraordinary life of an ordinary American (episode one: first smells, first bruises, first enemies).

The Guardian

Third, enemy C2 can be confused by deceptive signals or decoy forces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is further compounded by the venue, the engineer's third enemy.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first enemy" to clearly identify the initial adversary or obstacle in a narrative, situation, or process. This helps establish the starting point of a conflict or challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "first enemy" when referring to a continuous or evolving conflict where multiple enemies emerge simultaneously. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a clear, initial opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first enemy" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the initial adversary or obstacle in a sequence of events or a conflict. Ludwig examples show this phrase used to describe an initial opponent in both literal and figurative senses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Huffington Post

8%

The Guardian

6%

The New York Times

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first enemy" is a common expression used to denote the initial adversary or obstacle encountered in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. The phrase serves to establish the starting point of a conflict or challenge. While its register is generally neutral, understanding its function helps ensure its appropriate usage in writing, differentiating it from terms like "main enemy". Remember to use "first enemy" when you need to pinpoint the very beginning of a confrontation or obstacle, as it highlights the initial challenge to be overcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial adversary

Focuses on the adversarial aspect, highlighting the beginning of a conflict or challenge.

primary opponent

Emphasizes the role of being the main competitor or foe at the outset.

initial threat

Highlights the threatening nature of the first adversary encountered.

starting foe

A more informal way to refer to the first enemy, particularly in games or narratives.

original antagonist

Highlights the role of the first enemy as the originator of conflict.

foremost rival

Indicates a prominent position as a competitor or enemy from the start.

opening challenge

Shifts the focus to the challenge presented by the first enemy.

inaugural adversary

A more formal and less common way to describe the first enemy.

earliest opponent

Highlights the temporal aspect of being the first enemy encountered.

initial hurdle

Focuses on the obstacle aspect of facing the first enemy.

FAQs

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

You can use "first enemy" to describe the initial opponent or obstacle in a story, game, or real-life situation. For instance, "In the game, the "first enemy" you encounter is a goblin."

What is a good substitute for "first enemy"?

Alternatives include "initial adversary", "primary opponent", or "initial threat", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the first enemy" or "a first enemy"?

Typically, "the first enemy" is used when referring to a specific, identifiable initial opponent. "A first enemy" might be used in more general or hypothetical contexts.

What's the difference between "first enemy" and "main enemy"?

"First enemy" refers to the initial opponent encountered, while "main enemy" refers to the primary or most significant adversary throughout a conflict or situation. The "first enemy" might not always be the main enemy.