first lesson

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first lesson" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initial teaching session or topic in a series of lessons. Example: "In our first lesson, we will cover the basics of grammar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First lesson.

The Economist

The first lesson?

The New York Times

His first lesson?

The New York Times - Sports

Second lesson, I threw up.

The New York Times

(First lesson: Pick a side).

The New York Times - Sports

That was my first lesson.

The New Yorker

That's his first lesson.

Yale University

"Here's the first lesson.

The Guardian - Books

First lesson: Drop it!

The New York Times

Her first lesson?

The New York Times

Dad says, 'That's the first lesson.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a series of instructional sessions, clearly state that it is the "first lesson" to set expectations and provide context for learners.

Common error

Avoid overloading the "first lesson" with too much information. It should lay the groundwork for future learning, not attempt to cover everything at once.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first lesson" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly identifies the initial session in a series of instructions or teachings, setting a clear starting point for learning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first lesson" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the initial session of instruction, as supported by Ludwig. It functions to introduce a starting point in learning, and its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and general instructional settings. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is both valid and useful for setting expectations and providing a foundation for subsequent lessons. Related phrases include "initial lesson" and "opening lesson", which offer similar meanings with slight variations. When using "first lesson", focus on laying a groundwork and avoid overwhelming learners with too much information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial lesson

Replaces "first" with "initial", emphasizing the beginning nature of the lesson.

opening lesson

Substitutes "first" with "opening", highlighting the lesson as the start of a series.

introductory lesson

Uses "introductory" instead of "first", focusing on the lesson's role as an introduction to a subject.

preliminary instruction

Replaces "lesson" with "instruction", giving a more formal tone and emphasizing preparation.

basic principle

Shifts from a specific lesson to a more general concept of a fundamental idea.

foundational concept

Similar to "basic principle", but emphasizes the concept's role in building further knowledge.

maiden class

Uses "maiden class" to describe the first class on something. A bit more poetic and unusual.

primary teaching

Focuses on the act of teaching rather than the lesson itself.

early education

Broadens the scope to refer to the initial stages of someone's education.

learning initiation

Rephrases the concept to highlight the beginning of the learning process.

FAQs

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

You can use "first lesson" to refer to the initial session of a course or training, such as: "The "first lesson" will cover the fundamentals of the topic."

What are some alternatives to saying "first lesson"?

Alternatives include "initial lesson", "opening lesson", or "introductory lesson". The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is there a difference between "first lesson" and "initial lesson"?

While "first lesson" and "initial lesson" are largely interchangeable, "initial lesson" may subtly emphasize the beginning nature of the instruction.

What should be the focus of a "first lesson"?

The "first lesson" should typically focus on introducing basic concepts and setting the stage for more advanced topics. It should be engaging and accessible to newcomers.