first of the kind

USAGE SUMMARY

"first of the kind" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is the first ever of its type. For example, "The Ford Model T was the first of its kind, a mass-produced, affordable automobile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He was the first of the kind who would drop off and leave the penalty area to me".

Independent

"Consumers need access to new kinds of bank which are owned and run in their interests and can genuinely put their needs first, of the kind enjoyed by savers in countries like Germany and Switzerland – not just tweaks to the charges they pay to current incumbents," Mr Ryan-Collins said.

Independent

Very few companies start with a first of the kind idea".

TechCrunch

The defence line is one of the first of the kind and originates from the Dutch War for Independence (1568 1648).

Landscape and Urban Planning

McCauley established a livery business, the first of the kind in Fort Garry (later Winnipeg).

Wikipedia

The first of the kind, the Royal Navy's, made such a strong impression on people's minds when launched in 1906 that similar battleships built subsequently were referred to generically as "dreadnoughts", and earlier battleships became known as pre-dreadnoughts.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The first of its kind, the TFC has been established in the grounds of Abbas Hospital.

Unicef

The first of its kind, the census involved 17 discrete projects and 2,700 scientists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The program, the first of its kind in the United States, could be in place by 2007.

Environmental Health Perspectives

"It is one of the first of its kind in the region".

Unicef

The GFMP is the first of its kind in the region.

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first of the kind" to emphasize the originality and pioneering nature of something. It suggests that the subject is not only the first but also sets a precedent for others.

Common error

Avoid using "first of the kind" when referring to something that is simply early or initial but lacks any unique or pioneering qualities. Ensure it truly represents a novel category or type.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first of the kind" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to characterize a noun. It emphasizes the uniqueness and pioneering nature of the entity being described. This is supported by Ludwig which confirms the phrase is correct and provides examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first of the kind" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote something as the earliest and most original of its type. While not extremely frequent, it appears across diverse contexts including News & Media, Science, Wiki, Formal & Business and Encyclopedias. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, emphasizing its role in highlighting innovation. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject truly represents a pioneering instance. Alternatives include "pioneer of its type" or "original of its sort". Remember that "first of its kind" and "first of the kind" are both acceptable. The user should ensure that it represents a new type, and not simply the first to exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pioneer of its type

Replaces 'first' with 'pioneer' and uses 'type' instead of 'kind', focusing on innovation.

original of its sort

Substitutes 'first' with 'original' and 'kind' with 'sort', emphasizing the novelty.

trailblazer in that category

Uses 'trailblazer' to highlight the pioneering aspect and specifies 'category' for clarity.

innovator in its class

Replaces 'first' with 'innovator' and 'kind' with 'class', stressing the innovative nature.

the very first example

Highlights temporal precedence, focusing on being the earliest.

unique of its nature

Emphasizes uniqueness rather than just being first.

prototype of this variety

Focuses on being the original model or prototype.

groundbreaker of this style

Highlights pioneering and setting new standards.

leader in the domain

Shifts the focus from 'first' to a position of leadership and expertise.

precursor to that model

Emphasizes that it came before and paved the way for a later model.

FAQs

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

You can use "first of the kind" to describe something that is the earliest and most original example of its type. For instance, "The Wright brothers' airplane was the first of its kind, revolutionizing air travel".

What are some alternatives to "first of the kind"?

Alternatives include "pioneer of its type", "original of its sort", or "trailblazer in that category", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "first of its kind" or "first of the kind" more correct?

"First of its kind" and "first of the kind" are both acceptable, though "first of its kind" is more common. The choice often depends on context and desired emphasis.

What is the difference between "first of its kind" and "one of the first of its kind"?

"First of its kind" indicates something is absolutely the initial instance, while "one of the first of its kind" suggests it's among the earliest but not necessarily the very first.