first one down

USAGE SUMMARY

"first one down" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe being the first person to complete a task or action. For example, "I was the first one down the mountain after the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Often I'm the first one down to the hotel lobby in the morning.

The New York Times

"We are hoping Boris will be the first one down," the artist added, "and that this will still be Europe when he gets to the bottom".

The Guardian - Arts

Deleting the second PTB and moving the first one down returns a query with genes displaying under-expression pattern.

BioData Mining

"The next day he called me and said he's going to set up a tent on the capital grounds -- he was the first one down there," Benjamin says.

Huffington Post

He figured he had one last chance at baggage claim, but Ms. Kelstein's bag was the first one down the chute.

The New York Times

Since I'm an early bird, I'm the first one down.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Your index finger goes on the second one down, and your middle and ring fingers go on the fourth and fifth, respectively.

WikiHow

" Below the Settings page is a list of sub-menus; click on "Accounts," which is the third one down from the top.

WikiHow

And next time I'm going to take the sixth one down because I've just told you what I do.

The New York Times - Arts

To introduce me to the projects, he gave his computer short orders, like a soft tam-tam of a children's drum: "Open," "File," "Third one down," "Send".

Science Magazine

We'd like to believe that the majority of them (especially the rapey ones) were drawn by grown-up soldiers with a shitty sense of scale, but the presence of the Powerpuff Girl in the third one down is pretty damning.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "first one down" to indicate the individual or item that is earliest in a sequence or process.

Common error

Avoid using "first one down" in situations where a more precise term is needed, such as describing a technical process or complex system where clarity is paramount. For instance, it would be better to say "the initial step" in a technical manual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first one down" functions as a descriptor or identifier, often used to denote the person or entity that is the first to complete a particular action or reach a specific point. Ludwig AI validates its use in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first one down" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote the individual or entity that is the first to complete an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across varied contexts, primarily in News & Media, Wiki and Science. While its register is generally neutral, it leans towards informal, making it suitable for a wide range of communications. To ensure clarity, consider the context when using this phrase, and choose more precise terms when necessary. The phrase's meaning is consistent and easily understood, contributing to its widespread use in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the very first to descend

Intensifies the idea of being first to descend, emphasizing the immediacy.

the first to reach the bottom

Specifies reaching the bottom as the key outcome of being first.

the initial one to complete the descent

Focuses on completing the act of descending as the defining factor.

the initial person to descend

Focuses on the act of descending, specifically highlighting the first person to do so.

the one in the lead to descend

Highlights being in a leading position while descending.

the foremost to go down

Emphasizes being the leading or most prominent individual to go down.

the originator of the descent

Suggests being the person who initiated or started the descent.

the earliest to arrive below

Highlights being the first to reach a lower point or destination.

the leading figure to fall

Implies a descent or fall, with the leading figure being the first to experience it.

the pioneer to descend

Highlights the act of descending in a pioneering or exploratory manner.

FAQs

How can I use "first one down" in a sentence?

You can use "first one down" to describe being the first to complete a task or action. For example, "He was the "first one down" the mountain after the race".

What can I say instead of "first one down"?

You can use alternatives like "the first to arrive", "the earliest to reach", or "the leading figure depending on the context.

Which is correct, "first one down" or "last one down"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have opposite meanings. "First one down" refers to being the first, while "last one down" refers to being the last.

Is "first one down" formal or informal?

The phrase "first one down" is generally considered informal and is best used in casual conversation or writing. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the initial participant" or "the leading contender".