first line

USAGE SUMMARY

"first line" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the beginning sentence or phrase of a passage or paragraph. Example: The first line of the novel immediately drew me in with its vivid description of the mysterious castle looming in the distance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

And that first line?

The Guardian - Books

Who are "they" in the first line?

The New Yorker

"They're my first line of defense".

The New York Times

Retention is the first line of defence.

The Economist

That became the first line".

The New York Times

First line of Act Three?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I'm not a first-line guy.

The New York Times - Arts

First-line therapy, we call it.

The New York Times

The first-line therapies, interferon–?

Journal of the Neurological Sciences

First-line oxaliplatin and irinotecan appeared equivalent.

Critical Reviews in Oncology-Hematology

Norepinephrine was provided as first-line vasopressor.

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first line" in creative writing, ensure it immediately grabs the reader's attention to encourage them to continue reading.

Common error

Avoid using "first line" literally when a figurative meaning (e.g. "first line of defense") is intended; clarify the context to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first line" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object, referring to the beginning sentence of a text, code, or other ordered sequence. It can also metaphorically denote a primary defense or strategy, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first line" is a versatile term with multiple applications, most commonly denoting the beginning of a text or a primary defense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Its occurrence spans various domains, from news and academia to science, underscoring its adaptability. Whether you're referring to an "opening sentence" or the "primary defense", understanding the context is key to effective communication. Remember to consider the potential for figurative usage to avoid misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening sentence

Focuses specifically on the initial sentence of a text.

initial line

Similar to "first line" but emphasizes the aspect of being the starting point.

beginning line

Simple synonym, directly referring to the line that starts something.

introductory line

Highlights the role of the line in introducing the subject.

front line

Suggests a position at the forefront, often in a conflict or competitive situation.

starting point

Focuses on the point from which something begins or originates.

primary defense

Emphasizes the protective or safeguarding aspect in a figurative sense.

first course of action

Refers to an initial plan or step taken.

leading edge

Emphasizes being at the forefront of progress or innovation.

initial strategy

Highlights the planned approach at the start of an activity.

FAQs

What does "first line" mean?

The phrase "first line" generally refers to the initial sentence or phrase of a text, but can also figuratively mean the primary defense or initial course of action depending on the context.

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

You might say, "The "opening sentence" of the book was captivating", or "Patents are the "primary defense" against imitators".

What are some alternatives to using "first line"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "opening sentence", "primary defense", or "initial strategy".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "first line of defense"?

The phrase "first line of defense" is appropriate when describing the primary method or measure used to protect against a threat or problem.