first night

USAGE SUMMARY

'first night' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone's first time experiencing something. For example, "I was nervous for my first night on the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That first night was terrible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tells about the first night.

The New Yorker

At dinner their first night.

The New Yorker

First Night Hartford, Various locations.

The New York Times

Their first night was disquieting.

The New York Times

The first night was cool.

Independent

Nothing happened the first night.

The New York Times

The first night is free!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I cracked that first night," he said.

The New York Times

This is your first night in Carrigskeewaun.

The New Yorker

Was she, that first night, digging it?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "first night", consider providing specific details to make the experience vivid for the reader. Instead of saying "The first night was terrible", elaborate on why it was terrible.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone's "first night" experience is the same. Recognize that experiences can vary widely based on individual circumstances and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first night" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, referring to initial experiences or events. The expression describes an action in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first night" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to describe an initial experience or event occurring during the night. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Analysis of various sources shows that "first night" frequently appears in News & Media and Academia, indicating a neutral to slightly informal register. To enhance your writing, consider providing specific details when using "first night" to create a more vivid and engaging experience for your audience. While closely related phrases, such as "opening night" or "premiere night", offer similar meanings, it's essential to select the most appropriate phrase based on the context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening night

Focuses specifically on the debut performance of a theatrical production or event.

debut night

Highlights the first appearance or introduction, often in entertainment or social contexts.

premiere night

Specifically refers to the night of a premiere, often in the context of films or shows.

initial evening

A more formal and less common way to express the first evening of an event or stay.

launch night

Commonly used to describe the initial evening when a product, service, or event is officially launched.

maiden voyage

Metaphorically extends to the first experience, often suggesting a journey or new undertaking.

first experience

Emphasizes the novelty and lack of prior exposure, rather than a specific night.

the beginning

A broader term referring to the start of something, which can encompass the "first night" but isn't limited to it.

the kickoff

Suggests the start of an event or series, often used in sports or business.

the dawn of

Evokes the beginning of an era or period, carrying a more figurative and grand connotation.

FAQs

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

You can use "first night" to describe the initial experience of something, such as "The "first night" in a new home can be exciting", or "The "first night" of the play was a success".

What are some alternatives to "first night"?

Depending on the context, you could use "opening night", "initial evening", or "premiere night". Each carries slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "the night first" instead of "first night"?

No, "first night" is the standard and grammatically correct order. "The night first" is not a common or recognized phrase.

What is the difference between "first night" and "first time"?

"First night" typically refers to a specific evening event or experience, while "first time" is a more general term for the initial occurrence of anything. For example, you might say "It was my "first night" in Paris", but "It was my "first time" trying escargots".