first leg

USAGE SUMMARY

"first leg" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the first part of something, usually divided into two or more parts. For example: "I was nervous before my first leg of the race, but I managed to finish it successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We've knocked the first leg out".

The New York Times - Sports

The first leg was to Bermuda.

The New Yorker

First leg Sunderland 2-1 Manchester United.

Independent

Monterrey leads, 2-1, afthe the first leg.

The New York Times - Sports

Metalist are unchanged from the first leg.

The Guardian - Sport

"This was the first leg of it.

The Guardian - Sport

Anfield was special for the first leg.

The Guardian - Sport

The first leg is away, isn't it?

The Guardian - Sport

The Uefa Cup qualifying round first leg.

The Guardian - Sport

First Leg: Tuesday 17 February Second Leg: Wednesday 11 March.

Independent

It's all about cycles," Ronaldo said after the first leg.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the stages of a competition or journey, use "first leg" to clearly denote the initial part, setting the context for subsequent stages.

Common error

Avoid using "first lap" or "first stage" interchangeably with "first leg" unless the context specifically involves racing laps or defined project stages. "First leg" is best suited for journeys or two-part competitions, especially in sports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first leg" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the initial portion or segment of a journey, competition, or multi-stage process. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first leg" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote the initial stage of a journey, competition, or process. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively communicates the commencement of a multi-part event. While synonyms like "initial stage" or "opening phase" exist, "first leg" is particularly suited to two-part competitions or journeys. Therefore, ensure proper usage by understanding its specific context and avoiding confusion with related terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial stage

Focuses on the temporal aspect of being the beginning, similar to "first leg".

opening phase

Highlights the commencement or start of an activity, akin to "first leg".

preliminary segment

Emphasizes the preparatory nature and division into parts, similar to "first leg".

initial segment

Similar to "first leg", but emphasizes the part-whole relationship.

starting point

Focuses on the origin or beginning of a journey or process, synonymous with "first leg".

early phase

Indicates a stage at or near the beginning, sharing the sense of initial progress with "first leg".

opening section

Highlights the introductory part of something, similar to "first leg" in denoting a beginning.

initial portion

Similar to "first leg", emphasizing the part-whole relationship at the beginning.

commencement

A formal term for beginning or start, akin to initiating the "first leg".

outset

Emphasizes the very beginning of something, much like "first leg" refers to the initial portion.

FAQs

How is "first leg" used in sports contexts?

In sports, "first leg" typically refers to the initial game or match in a two-part competition, where the aggregate score determines the winner. For example, "The team needs to secure a strong lead in the "first leg" to have a better chance in the second."

Can "first leg" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "first leg" can metaphorically represent the beginning phase of any multi-stage project or endeavor. It sets the stage for subsequent phases, much like the "initial stage" of a journey.

What are some alternatives to "first leg"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "initial stage", "opening phase", or "preliminary segment". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'the first leg of the journey'?

Yes, "the first leg of the journey" is a perfectly correct and common usage. It clearly indicates the initial part of a trip, setting expectations for the subsequent stages.