first experience with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first experience with" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone's initial encounter or involvement with a particular activity, subject, or situation. An example is: "My first experience with scuba diving was unforgettable." Alternative expressions include "initial encounter with" and "first exposure to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What was your first experience with fragrance?

The New York Times

"That was my first experience with it.

The New York Times - Food

My first experience with loss.

The New York Times

And this was my first experience with the opposite".

The Guardian

This is not Mr. Sullivan's first experience with the troupe.

The New York Times

It was his first experience with the drug.

The New Yorker

What was Paul G. Allen's first experience with rockets?

The New York Times

M.I.T. was Mr. Ritchie's first experience with making public art.

The New York Times - Arts

It was my first experience with overt victim blaming.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was Mr. Jordan's first experience with a beefsteak.

The New York Times

It was, she said, her first experience with sex.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "first experience with" something, provide enough context to help your audience understand the impact or significance of that experience.

Common error

Avoid using "first experience with" when you actually mean someone has become familiar or proficient with something over time. Stick to "first experience with" when describing the initial encounter only.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first experience with" functions as a noun modifier that indicates the initial interaction or exposure to a particular subject, activity, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and widely used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first experience with" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an initial encounter or exposure to something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific literature, marking its versatility. While alternatives such as "initial exposure to" and "first encounter with" offer slight nuances in meaning, the core purpose remains consistent: to convey the beginning of one's interaction with a particular subject or activity. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to highlight the impact or significance of that initial experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first encounter with

Stresses the meeting or confrontation with something for the first time, focusing on the direct interaction.

initial exposure to

Emphasizes the act of being introduced to something new, highlighting the beginning of a learning process.

introduction to

Highlights the beginning of familiarity or knowledge about a subject or topic.

early interaction with

Focuses on the initial actions or engagements with something, emphasizing the active role.

inaugural experience with

Highlights the formal or official commencement of an engagement with something.

first taste of

Implies a preliminary sampling or brief experience, especially with something pleasurable or novel.

maiden voyage into

Suggests a first journey or exploration into a new area or field.

baptism by fire

Refers to a challenging initial experience, often involving difficulties or intense pressure.

ground zero with

Indicates starting from the very beginning, with no prior knowledge or involvement.

starting point with

Implies the commencement of an activity or project, the initiation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "first experience with" to emphasize the positive aspect?

Consider using phrases like "introduction to", which implies a welcoming start, or "initial exposure to", which suggests a beneficial unveiling.

Is "first experience with" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "first experience with" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, for added sophistication, you might choose "inaugural experience with" in certain contexts.

What is the difference between "first experience with" and "early experience with"?

"First experience with" refers specifically to the very initial encounter. "Early experience with", on the other hand, suggests experiences occurring in the initial stages but not necessarily the absolute first.

Can you provide an example of how to use "first experience with" correctly in a sentence?

A correct usage is: "My "first experience with" coding was both challenging and rewarding."