first impulse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first impulse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an initial reaction or instinctive response to a situation or stimulus. Example: "My first impulse was to help her, but I hesitated for a moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's the first impulse.

The New York Times

Sometimes the first impulse predominates.

The New York Times - Magazine

My first impulse is simply to grieve.

The Guardian - Opinion

His first impulse — to push back on shareholders — often becomes their first impulse.

The New York Times

The first impulse must come from Iran's negotiators.

The Economist

"My first impulse was to think of the mainland.

The New York Times

Armide's first impulse is to defeat Renaud through her sorcery.

The New York Times - Arts

(Their first impulse is to buy her a car).

The New Yorker

My first impulse was to immediately cease writing.

The Guardian - Opinion

My first impulse was to write a love story.

The New York Times - Books

His first impulse is to run away to Mexico.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize thoughtfulness and deliberation, use other terms such as "initial consideration" or "primary analysis" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "first impulse" when describing actions that require careful planning and consideration. The phrase is best suited for situations where speed and instinct are key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first impulse" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its role in describing an initial reaction or instinctive response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

11%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first impulse" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an immediate, often instinctive, reaction. As Ludwig AI states, it is appropriate for portraying initial responses in diverse contexts. Its usage spans from news and media to academic settings, indicating a neutral register. When writing, remember that "first impulse" is not well-suited for describing deliberate or carefully considered actions. For more precise descriptions, consider alternatives such as "initial reaction" or "spontaneous reaction".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial reaction

This alternative is a more general term that doesn't necessarily imply instinct.

gut reaction

This alternative suggests a strong, intuitive feeling.

initial instinct

This alternative places more emphasis on the instinctive nature of the response.

first inclination

This alternative emphasizes a leaning or tendency towards a particular action or thought.

immediate response

This alternative focuses on the speed and directness of the reaction.

knee-jerk reaction

This alternative suggests a quick, often unthinking response.

spontaneous reaction

This alternative highlights the unplanned and natural character of the response.

primary urge

This alternative emphasizes a powerful, compelling desire.

first thought

This alternative is more cognitive and less emotional than "first impulse".

automatic response

This alternative indicates a reaction that occurs without conscious thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "first impulse" to describe someone's immediate reaction to something. For example, "My "first impulse" was to help." or "Her "first impulse" was to run away".

What are some alternatives to "first impulse"?

Alternatives include "initial reaction", "gut feeling", or "immediate response". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always a good idea to act on your "first impulse"?

Not necessarily. While acting on your "first impulse" can be beneficial in some situations, it's often wise to take a moment to consider the potential consequences before acting.

What's the difference between "first impulse" and "second thought"?

"First impulse" refers to an immediate, instinctive reaction, while "second thought" refers to a subsequent, more considered idea or course of action. They are essentially opposites.