first exposure to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first exposure to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate someone's initial experience with something. For example, "My first exposure to opera was through my music theory class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This was Mozart's first exposure to Bach.

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was my first exposure to guinea pig.

The New York Times

It was her first exposure to tap dancing.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

It was his first exposure to the Lombardi mystique.

The New York Times

"The needle moved," he said after his first exposure to the liberal feed.

The Guardian

Gore Vidal – he was my first exposure to free-form writing.

The Guardian

Students' first exposure to the research environment is often in their final-year project.

The Guardian

It was my first exposure to the importance of the Fed.

The New York Times

Serra's first exposure to Velázquez, at the Prado, was a life-changer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's introduction to a field or concept, use "first exposure to" followed by a noun or noun phrase. For example, "His first exposure to jazz was through his father's record collection."

Common error

Avoid using "first exposure to" when you mean a prolonged or in-depth involvement. "Exposure" implies an initial introduction, not necessarily deep engagement. For deeper involvement, use "experience with" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first exposure to" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the initial instance of encountering something, setting the stage for further experiences, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first exposure to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes an initial encounter with a subject or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an introductory experience rather than prolonged involvement. Alternatives like "initial introduction to" or "first encounter with" may provide suitable substitutions depending on the nuance desired. The examples provided by Ludwig show the versatility and commonality of this phrase in expressing initial interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

First encounter with

Emphasizes the experience of meeting or facing something for the first time.

Initial introduction to

Replaces "exposure" with a more formal term and focuses on the act of introducing something.

Early experience with

Focuses on the fact that it was one of the first experiences but also emphasizes experience gained.

Inaugural experience with

Uses more formal language and highlights the introductory nature of the experience.

Entry point to

Suggests the beginning of a journey or exploration into a particular area.

First brush with

Suggests a brief or superficial initial interaction.

First taste of

Uses a more figurative expression to represent the initial experience.

Premiere introduction to

Uses words with a French origin suggesting the first ever introduction or experience.

Maiden voyage into

Implies a new and exciting undertaking, often used metaphorically.

Baptism of fire

This idiom refers to a particularly difficult or challenging first experience.

FAQs

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

Use "first exposure to" to describe the initial time someone encounters a concept, subject, or experience. For example, "Her first exposure to coding was in high school."

What are some alternatives to "first exposure to"?

You can use alternatives like "initial introduction to", "first encounter with", or "early experience with", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "first experience with" or "first exposure to"?

"First exposure to" implies a brief or initial encounter, while "first experience with" suggests a more involved or prolonged interaction. The better choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "prior exposure to" and "first exposure to"?

"First exposure to" indicates the very beginning of someone's experience with something, whereas "prior exposure to" suggests there has been some earlier, although perhaps limited, contact.