first identified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first identified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial discovery or recognition of something, such as a species, concept, or phenomenon. Example: "The species was first identified in the Amazon rainforest in 1995."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some of the receptors were first identified in marijuana research.

The New York Times

Orexin neurotransmitters, first identified fifteen years ago, promote wakefulness.

The New Yorker

Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947.

The Guardian

When and where was the virus first identified?

The New York Times

The original homemade Carl Gustav was first identified in 2000.

The Guardian

It was first identified in Australia in the 1930s.

The Guardian

Fourteen of them were first identified in Britain.

The Guardian

When HIV was first identified, no treatment was possible.

The Economist

Biotin was first identified as a nutritive requirement of yeast.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Minamata disease, Disease first identified in 1956 in Minamata, Japan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

first identified as a government-wide problem in 1997.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first identified" to introduce the origin or discovery of a concept, disease, or element.

Common error

Avoid using the present tense with "first identified". Since it refers to a past event, always use the past tense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first identified" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something was initially recognized or discovered. Ludwig AI's examples confirm its use in historical and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first identified" is a commonly used verb phrase indicating the initial discovery or recognition of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse fields like science, news, and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, provide clear context about the subject and circumstances of its initial recognition. Alternatives include "initially recognized" and "originally discovered". Ensure correct tense usage and avoid using the present tense with this past-focused phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially recognized

Emphasizes the act of recognizing something at the beginning.

originally discovered

Highlights the act of finding or learning something for the first time.

initially detected

Focuses on the first instance of noticing or sensing something.

first detected

Emphasizes the act of detecting something at the beginning.

originally recognized

Highlights the initial recognition of something.

initially discovered

Focuses on the discovery aspect from the beginning.

pioneered identification

Highlights the act of being the first to identify something.

established the identity

Emphasizes the establishment of something's identity for the first time.

originated the finding

Focuses on the original finding or discovery of something.

unveiled the presence

Highlights the act of revealing the existence of something for the first time.

FAQs

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

You can use "first identified" to describe when something was initially discovered or recognized. For example, "The virus was "first identified" in 1976."

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

Alternatives include "initially recognized", "originally discovered", or "initially detected". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "first identified" or should I use "initially identified"?

Both "first identified" and "initially identified" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What does "first identified" typically refer to?

"First identified" is often used in scientific and historical contexts to indicate the initial discovery or recognition of a phenomenon, disease, concept, or entity.