first knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"first knowledge" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It refers to the initial or earliest understanding or awareness of something. Example: My first knowledge of mathematics was in elementary school, when I learned basic addition and subtraction.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

My first knowledge of her existence came when I had lived in the town for about half the school year.

The New Yorker

First, knowledge based on verbal testimony is inferential and therefore vitiated by all the defects of inference.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The night marked the first knowledge Betsy Gotbaum had of her stepdaughter-in-law's struggles with alcoholism and depression, she said in an extensive interview on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Our first knowledge of the symptoms of acute poisoning by DDT was furnished by several British investigators, who deliberately exposed themselves in order to learn the consequences.

The New Yorker

The first knowledge of the Hittites, then, depends upon the appearance of typically Nesite names among the predominant Assyrian and Hattian names of the texts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The British Council opened its first Knowledge and Learning Centre (KLC) in Delhi, India, this month as part of what it hopes will be a new partnership with British education providers to deliver distance learning products, information about British education and online learning resources at its centres to learners and teachers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Just as factory jobs were eliminated in the 20th century by new assembly-line robots, Brad and I were the first knowledge-industry workers put out of work by the new generation of 'thinking' machines.

Wikipedia

In summary, we have used EMR data from genotyped biobanked samples to perform the first knowledge-driven gene-gene interaction analysis for HDL-C.

Plosone

Its creatures and their habits become second knowledge.

The Guardian - Tech

Second, knowledge that a work group is depending on one's performance can motivate one's efforts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Second, knowledge can be exploited for strategic interests.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first knowledge", ensure it clearly indicates the initial point of awareness or understanding, distinguishing it from subsequent or more in-depth knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "first knowledge" interchangeably with "prior knowledge". "First knowledge" refers to the moment something was initially learned, whereas "prior knowledge" refers to pre-existing knowledge relevant to a new learning experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first knowledge" functions as a noun phrase identifying the earliest point of awareness or understanding of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples, highlighting its role in describing the initial acquisition of information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first knowledge" refers to the initial awareness or understanding of something. Ludwig AI verifies its grammatical correctness and use in various contexts. While classified as "Uncommon" in frequency, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The New Yorker, Encyclopedia Britannica, and The New York Times, maintaining a neutral to formal register. When using "first knowledge", it's crucial to distinguish it from "prior knowledge" and ensure it accurately signifies the starting point of understanding, as using these terms interchangeably represents a typical mistake. Alternatives include "initial understanding" or "early awareness", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

original knowledge

Emphasizes the source or origin of the knowledge.

initial knowledge

Highlights the starting point of understanding.

early knowledge

Focuses on the temporal aspect of acquiring knowledge.

preliminary knowledge

Suggests a basic or introductory level of understanding.

basic understanding

Implies a fundamental grasp of a subject.

foundational knowledge

Highlights the role of the knowledge as a basis for further learning.

introductory information

Implies the knowledge is an introduction to a topic.

primary understanding

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the understanding.

rudimentary awareness

Indicates a basic and undeveloped level of consciousness.

nascent awareness

Suggests an emerging or newly developed awareness.

FAQs

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

You can use "first knowledge" to describe the moment when someone initially learns about something. For example, "My "first knowledge" of the topic came from a documentary."

What are some alternatives to "first knowledge"?

Alternatives include "initial understanding", "early awareness", or "original knowledge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "first knowledge" or "prior knowledge"?

"First knowledge" refers to the initial instance of learning something, while "prior knowledge" refers to existing information one already possesses. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing the beginning of awareness or pre-existing understanding.

What is the difference between "first knowledge" and "second knowledge"?

"First knowledge" denotes the initial understanding, whereas "second knowledge" implies a subsequent or more advanced level of understanding building upon the initial one.