first of the breed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first of the breed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is the first example or representative of a particular category or type. Example: "She was the first of the breed, paving the way for future generations of female scientists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

After retiring from the stage a few years later, de Wolfe went on to become a fashionable interior designer, really the first of the breed.

The New Yorker

Some of the ultralights like the Pterodactyl above, one of the first of the breed, look almost like airplanes, with a fixed wing and a seat for the pilot.

The New York Times - Magazine

But, while the Flyer looks like a gigantic version of a 19th-century original (the first of the breed, designed by George Washington Ferris, began revolving at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago), the London Eye is a fighter jet to Singapore's biplane.

The Guardian - Arts

The sighting of the Tengmalm's owl is believed to have been the first of the breed in Shetland in over a century.

BBC

Gilmour owns Stratocaster number 0001; although made in 1954, this is not the first of the breed, but the first to be given a serial number.

BBC

The breed is also good at agility and flyball, with the first of the breed receiving a flyball championship title in 1993.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The first member of the breed to win a show championship was Ch.

Wikipedia

The first member of the breed was registered in America to the American Kennel Club in 1898, and it was recognized in 1900.

Wikipedia

Although it is commonly (and mistakenly) thought that this was the first horse of the breed, by the 1760s, all other male lines of the breed had died out, resulting in a genetic bottleneck.

Wikipedia

The first specimens of the breed arrived in Brazil at the end of the 18th century and Nellore animals rapidly became the predominant breed in the Brazilian herd [ 1].

BMC Genomics

The first of the new breed, the Vietnamese German University (VGU), opened in 2008 in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "first of the breed" with specific examples or details to illustrate the qualities that set the subject apart and made it a pioneer. This strengthens your argument and enhances reader understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "first of the breed" when a more specific term is available. For example, instead of calling a groundbreaking scientist "the first of the breed", specify "the first female physicist" if gender is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first of the breed" functions as a descriptive term, typically acting as a noun modifier. It identifies the subject as the originator or pioneer of a particular category or type, as Ludwig AI validates.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first of the breed" serves as a descriptive modifier, denoting the originator or pioneer of a specific category. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively uncommon, appearing primarily in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts, it conveys innovation and originality. For clearer and more formal communications, it's important to consider if more precise or descriptive alternatives might exist. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and accurate usage of "first of the breed" in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pioneer of its kind

Emphasizes the pioneering aspect, focusing on initiating a new category or type.

original of its type

Highlights the originality and the unique position as the starting point.

initiator of the species

More biological connotation; appropriate for living things where breed may not be specific enough.

archetype of the line

Suggests a pattern or model that future examples will follow.

genesis of the variety

Focuses on the origin and development of something new, particularly in contexts of creation.

forerunner of the lineage

Similar to pioneer, emphasizes preceding and influencing future developments.

prototype of the class

Highlights the role as an initial model or example, suitable for technical or scientific contexts.

frontrunner of its style

Suggests leadership and innovation in aesthetic or stylistic terms.

innovator in its family

Emphasizes inventive qualities and creating something novel within an existing group.

trailblazer of the group

Highlights the leading and pioneering role in a broader group of related entities.

FAQs

How can I use "first of the breed" in a sentence?

You can use "first of the breed" to describe the originator or pioneer of a certain type or category. For example: "She was the "first of the breed" of social media influencers to monetize her content successfully."

What are some alternatives to saying "first of the breed"?

Alternatives include "pioneer of its kind", "original of its type", or "archetype of the line". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "first of the breed" formal or informal?

The phrase "first of the breed" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language can influence the overall tone.

What's the difference between "first of the breed" and "one of the first"?

"First of the breed" implies being the absolute originator, while "one of the first" suggests being among an initial group but not necessarily the very first. For example: "She was the "first of the breed", creating an entire category", versus "She was one of the first to invest in the stock, it doesn't make her the first though".