first of its kind

USAGE SUMMARY

"first of its kind" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the first instance of something, whether it is a physical object or an idea. For example: "This smartphone is the first of its kind to feature a built-in artificial intelligence system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's the first of its kind and it is beautiful.

Huffington Post

Hertz says it was the first of its kind anywhere.

The New York Times

It's the first of its kind to open in Hargeisa.

The Guardian

It's the first of its kind in America.

The New York Times - Style

It was the first of its kind.

TechCrunch

It was a first of its kind that still endures.

Forbes

"It was the first of its kind in the country.

Huffington Post

It was the first of its kind in the capital.

Huffington Post

At the time, it was the first of its kind.

Vice

It's the first of its kind, anywhere in the world.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This first-of-its-kind exercise produced very interesting results.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first of its kind", ensure you clearly define the scope of what is being compared. Specify the category or area in which the subject is unique to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "first of its kind" without thorough research. Verify that the subject truly has no predecessors in the specific context you're claiming, as overstating uniqueness can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first of its kind" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is the earliest or most original example of its type. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and serves to highlight the uniqueness of the described entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first of its kind" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote originality and innovation. Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples confirm its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. It is essential to use it accurately, ensuring that the subject is truly unique within its specified domain. Alternatives like "unprecedented" and "groundbreaking" can be used for variety. By understanding its nuances and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively employ "first of its kind" to highlight pioneering achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unprecedented

Emphasizes the lack of prior occurrence or parallel.

novel

Highlights the newness and originality of something.

groundbreaking

Stresses the innovative and impactful nature of the pioneering effort.

pioneering

Focuses on the act of initiating or leading the way.

original

Simply indicates that something is not a copy and exists uniquely.

unique

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and unmatched quality.

exceptional

Focuses on the superior quality and uncommon nature.

trailblazing

Highlights the act of creating a new path or approach.

leading-edge

Indicates being at the forefront of development and innovation.

state-of-the-art

Emphasizes the advanced technology or design involved.

FAQs

How can I use "first of its kind" in a sentence?

You can use "first of its kind" to describe something that is the very first example of its type. For example, "This museum is the first of its kind dedicated to digital art".

What can I say instead of "first of its kind"?

You can use alternatives like "unprecedented", "novel", or "groundbreaking" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the very first of its kind"?

While "first of its kind" already implies uniqueness, adding "very" can emphasize the pioneering nature, though it's often unnecessary. Consider if the added emphasis truly enhances the sentence.

What's the difference between "first of its kind" and "one of a kind"?

"First of its kind" means it's the original, with nothing preceding it. "One of a kind" implies uniqueness, but not necessarily being the first. Something "unique" can still have predecessors.