first moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial point in time when something occurs or is experienced. Example: "At the first moment of dawn, the sky began to lighten, signaling the start of a new day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first moment".

The New Yorker

I have from the first moment".

The New Yorker

Gioia remembers everything about that first moment.

The New Yorker

I remember the first moment we met.

The New York Times

But that first moment was magical.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's the first moment of hypocrisy.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Henry constants were obtained from the first moment analysis.

Journal of Chromatography A

He had nursed our son from the first moment.

Princeton University

The first moment angered Barry; the second made him proud.

The Washington Post

It felt, possibly, like the night's first moment of sincerity.

The New Yorker

Recently, I asked Jacob what that first moment was like.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first moment" to clearly indicate the inception of a feeling, event, or process. It's effective for setting the scene or emphasizing the immediacy of an experience.

Common error

While "first moment" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives like "outset" or "commencement" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first moment" functions as a noun phrase or adverbial phrase, pinpointing the start of an event, emotion, or process. It serves to mark the inception and often emphasizes the impact or significance of that initial point, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

22%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first moment" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that refers to the beginning or start of an event or experience. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is a noun or adverbial phrase emphasizing the impact and importance of initial points. While the phrase maintains accessibility across contexts, more formal terms like "outset" or "commencement" may be more appropriate in academic or professional writing. Overall, "first moment" serves as a versatile and effective way to establish a temporal reference point and highlight the significance of beginnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial instance

Replaces 'moment' with 'instance', emphasizing a specific occurrence.

very beginning

Focuses on the start, using 'beginning' to convey the initial phase.

dawn of time

Emphasizes the earliest start possible, using a more figurative expression.

outset

A more formal term for 'beginning' or 'start'.

commencement

A formal word that indicates the start of something.

starting point

Highlights the origin or place where something begins.

genesis

Implies the origin or creation of something, often used in a grander context.

incipience

A more technical term for the beginning or early stage of something.

inaugural phase

Suggests the start of a formal period or event.

earliest stage

Highlights the initial developmental phase of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "first moment" to describe the beginning of an experience, feeling, or event. For example, "From the "first moment" I saw her, I knew we would be friends."

What are some alternatives to "first moment"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "initial instance", "very beginning", or "outset".

Is "first moment" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "first moment" might be perceived as informal in certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "at the "commencement"" for a more formal tone.

What is the difference between "first moment" and "earliest stage"?

"First moment" emphasizes a specific instant, while "earliest stage" refers to a period or phase at the beginning of a process. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight a point in time or a duration.