first guessing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first guessing" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where someone is making an initial guess or assumption about something, but it is not commonly recognized as a phrase. Example: "In first guessing the answer to the riddle, I thought of a simple solution, but it turned out to be more complex."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He thinks of what he does as "first guessing" (as opposed to second guessing) and considers the job description "baseball analyst" almost insulting because of its inference that he is talking about something after the fact.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

My first guess is ethnic.

The New York Times

(First guess: sharpened baby penises). .

Vice

Now came the second guessing.

The New York Times - Sports

And second guessing is not a strategy.

The New York Times

No second guessing her choices in how to spend it.

The New York Times

Second guessing, hypothesising, hoping.

BBC

These are collective effects of second guessing.

SEP

Second guessing.

Huffington Post

The happy ending obscured the second guessing.

Los Angeles Times

Please stop the second guessing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and formality, replace "first guessing" with more common alternatives like "initial estimation" or "preliminary assessment" to enhance reader comprehension.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on the phrase "first guessing" in academic or professional contexts, as it lacks the precision and established usage of alternatives like "initial hypothesis" or "preliminary analysis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first guessing" functions as a verbal noun phrase, describing the action of making an initial guess or assumption. As Ludwig points out, it is not standard English, so its usage may cause confusion. The phrase is constructed by modifying the gerund "guessing" with the adjective "first".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first guessing" is a phrase used to describe an initial attempt to guess or speculate about something. Ludwig AI analysis indicates the phrase is not standard English, so while grammatically acceptable, its usage might be limited. As Ludwig exemplified, it appears mainly in news and media contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "initial estimation", "preliminary assessment", or "initial hypothesis" might be more appropriate. Therefore, while "first guessing" is understandable, opting for more conventional alternatives ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initial estimation

Focuses on the act of making an approximate calculation or judgment at the beginning.

Preliminary assessment

Suggests a more formal and structured evaluation performed at the outset.

Early speculation

Highlights the conjectural nature of the guess, emphasizing it's made before sufficient evidence is available.

Initial conjecture

Highlights the speculative nature of the guess, similar to 'early speculation'.

First approximation

Emphasizes that the guess is a rough estimate and likely to be refined later.

Starting assumption

Emphasizes that the guess is a foundation for further reasoning.

Opening gambit

Implies the guess is part of a strategic move or discussion.

Tentative hypothesis

Presents the guess as a provisional explanation to be tested.

Working hypothesis

Indicates a temporary assumption used as a practical basis for investigation.

Basic premise

Implies that the guess is a fundamental statement upon which an argument or theory is based.

FAQs

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

While "first guessing" isn't standard English, you can use it to describe an initial attempt to guess something, as in, "In first guessing the answer, I considered the most obvious possibilities".

What's a more formal alternative to "first guessing"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "initial estimation", "preliminary assessment", or "initial hypothesis" depending on the context.

Is "first guessing" grammatically incorrect?

No, it's not grammatically incorrect, but it's uncommon. Ludwig AI describes it as not standard English. Using more conventional phrases will likely improve clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "first guessing"?

It might be appropriate in informal contexts or when emphasizing the preliminary nature of a guess. However, in most formal or professional settings, it's better to opt for more established alternatives like "preliminary analysis".