first exposure

USAGE SUMMARY

"first exposure" is correct and usable in written English, and is used to refer to one's first experience in or with something.
For example: "John had his first exposure to classical music at the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My first exposure was sobering.

The Guardian

That was their first exposure.

Cornell University

This was Mozart's first exposure to Bach.

The New Yorker

My first exposure came with Salem's Lot.

The Guardian

Introduction: First exposure, input processing, and theorizing.

Columbia University

My first exposure to Oprah, now 62, came early.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was my first exposure to guinea pig.

The New York Times

Her first exposure as a designer was unconventional.

The New Yorker

On first exposure, it sounds knobbly, perplexing and wilfully wayward.

The Guardian - Music

(More than 90% reported smiling on first exposure).

The Guardian - Books

"It was my first exposure to gay people," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's introduction to a subject or field, "first exposure" is particularly effective for conveying the impact of that initial experience.

Common error

Avoid using "first exposure" when referring to accumulated knowledge or skills. "First exposure" specifically denotes the very first instance of encountering something, not subsequent experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first exposure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates its use to denote the initial instance of encountering or experiencing something. For example, "My first exposure came with Salem's Lot."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first exposure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes an initial experience or encounter. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is suitable for various writing contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific publications. While interchangeable with alternatives like "initial experience" or "introduction to", "first exposure" specifically highlights the novelty and impact of that initial encounter. Avoid using it when referring to subsequent or accumulated experiences. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial experience

Focuses on the experiential aspect of the first encounter.

first encounter

Highlights the act of meeting or facing something for the first time.

introduction to

Emphasizes the beginning of familiarity with a subject or topic.

early introduction

Stresses the early nature of the exposure.

maiden experience

Adds a sense of novelty and uniqueness to the first experience.

preliminary contact

Suggests an initial stage of interaction, often in a more formal setting.

baptism of fire

Implies a challenging or intense first experience.

entry point

Highlights the starting place or means of access to something.

first taste

Uses a metaphor to describe the initial experience.

ground zero

Emphasizes the starting point of a process or experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "first exposure" to describe an initial experience with something. For example, "His "first exposure" to jazz music was at a young age".

What's a good alternative to "first exposure"?

Alternatives include "initial experience", "first encounter", or "introduction to", depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "first exposure" in formal writing?

Yes, "first exposure" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing the beginning of someone's involvement or knowledge in a particular area.

What is the difference between ""first exposure"" and "early exposure"?

"First exposure" refers to the very first time someone encounters something, while "early exposure" implies that the exposure happened during an early stage of life or a project, but not necessarily the very first time.