first of the set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first of the set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial item or element in a collection or group. Example: "The first of the set is always the most important, as it sets the tone for the rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

First of the set to go.

The New Yorker

Mr. Helm departs from the original format by using only the first of the set series of questions Gray employed.

The New York Times

Formation 8 was the first of the set to disintegrate.

TechCrunch

"Hey You" was the first of the set list which consisted of a total of four songs.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The first of the sets will be delivered starting in September next year.

The New York Times

Jackson rescues the performance from its steady nose dive for the last third of the set.

Independent

(Maybe another third of the set was just vamps: thickening, fragmenting, then turning into something else).

The New York Times - Arts

Individual coins are cataloged at about a third of the set prices.

Wikipedia

The first volume of the set has sold 72,000 copies and the second 56,000.

The New York Times - Books

The first leg of the set fulfilled this contrast nicely.

The New York Times - Arts

Frankly, the first half of the set is fairly routine despite Pryor's raw edge.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first of the set", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the "set". This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "first of the set" when the group or collection being referred to is not well-defined or understood by the audience. If the composition of the "set" is unclear, provide additional information to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first of the set" functions as a determiner phrase. It identifies a specific item as the initial element within a defined collection. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically correct way to specify order within a group.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first of the set" is a grammatically correct and acceptable way to denote the initial item within a defined group or collection. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, as well as in wiki-based contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the "set" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While not exceptionally common, it serves as a precise and effective way to indicate the starting point in a series or collection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial item in the collection

Replaces 'first' with 'initial' and uses 'collection' instead of 'set'.

starting element of the group

Substitutes 'first' with 'starting', 'set' with 'group', and uses 'element' instead of 'item'.

lead item in the series

Replaces 'first' with 'lead' and 'set' with 'series'.

primary member of the collection

Replaces 'first' with 'primary' and 'set' with 'collection'.

inaugural piece of the collection

Substitutes 'first' with 'inaugural', 'set' with 'collection', and 'item' with 'piece'.

opening component of the arrangement

Replaces 'first' with 'opening', 'set' with 'arrangement', and uses 'component'.

initial installment of the series

Replaces 'first' with 'initial', 'set' with 'series', and uses 'installment'.

premier item in the lineup

Substitutes 'first' with 'premier', 'set' with 'lineup', and uses 'item'.

beginning part of the compilation

Replaces 'first' with 'beginning', 'set' with 'compilation', and 'item' with 'part'.

introductory piece of the collection

Substitutes 'first' with 'introductory', 'set' with 'collection', and uses 'piece'.

FAQs

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

You can use "first of the set" to indicate the initial item in a defined group. For example, "The "first of the set" to go was the queen piece".

What's a simple way to say "first of the set"?

Alternatives include "initial item in the collection" or "starting element of the group", which offer similar meaning with slightly different wording.

Is it better to use "first item" or "first of the set"?

The choice depends on context. "First item" is more general. "First of the set" implies a pre-defined collection or group. Use the one that is more appropriate based on the particular situation.

How does "first of the set" compare to "beginning of the series"?

"First of the set" implies a discrete, often finite collection, whereas "beginning of the series" suggests an ongoing, potentially infinite sequence. "Initial installment of the series" is another alternative.