first ever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first ever" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to emphasize that an event or occurrence is the first of its kind. For example, "This is the first ever assessment of its kind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

As in first ever.

The New York Times

Her first ever.

The New York Times

later, the first ever bet.

The New Yorker

My first ever.

The New York Times - Arts

Welcome to my first ever live chat.

The New Yorker

The first ever LBL.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

First, ever-growing environmental devastation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Looking for first-ever tourney victory.

The New York Times

Are they the first-ever competitive sisters?

The New Yorker

It's not the first-ever American motorcycle.

The New York Times

Participants: Persons with first-ever stroke, either ischemic or hemorrhagic.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first ever" to highlight the novelty or uniqueness of an event, achievement, or product. Ensure the context clearly supports the claim of being the absolute first; verify your information to avoid inaccuracies.

Common error

Avoid using "first ever" when a similar event or product has existed before, even if there are slight differences. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first ever" functions as an adjectival modifier, emphasizing the novelty or uniqueness of the noun it precedes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

30%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first ever" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the unprecedented nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While effective for highlighting novelty, it's crucial to verify the accuracy of the "first ever" claim and avoid overuse. Alternatives like ""inaugural"" or ""unprecedented"" may be more appropriate in formal settings. Remember to use "first ever" judiciously to maintain its impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very first

Emphasizes the initial occurrence with added intensity.

unprecedented

Stresses the lack of any prior instance.

inaugural

More formal term often used for events or series.

maiden

Often used for voyages or performances; implies a beginning.

debut

Typically refers to a first public appearance or introduction.

initial

Focuses on the beginning stage or phase.

groundbreaking

Implies innovation and setting a new standard.

original

Highlights the uniqueness and newness of the event or item.

newest

Highlights the recency of the event.

brand new

Focuses on the completely fresh and unused nature.

FAQs

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

Use "first ever" to emphasize that something is happening or existing for the very first time. For example, "This is the "first ever" assessment of its kind".

What is a more formal alternative to "first ever"?

Alternatives include "inaugural" or "unprecedented" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very first ever"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very "first ever"" can be considered redundant. "Very first" or "first ever" alone usually suffices for emphasis.

What's the difference between "first" and "first ever"?

"First" simply indicates the beginning of a sequence or ranking. "First ever" emphasizes that something has never happened before, adding a sense of uniqueness or historical significance.