first one ever

USAGE SUMMARY

"first one ever" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that preceded or happened before all other examples of the same type. For example, "The software update was the first one ever released for this program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The first one ever, back on the prehistoric savannahs of eastern Africa.

Huffington Post

It's the fourth debate of the campaign and the first one ever to focus on foreign policy issues, which have dominated headlines in recent weeks.

Vice

I was supposed to go on a date that night ― my first one ever since moving to the city ― and I felt like I just couldn't handle it.

Huffington Post

The losing months over all this period from March 1995 onward could be counted on the fingers of one hand and the first one ever had occurred in January 2002, eighty-two months into the fund's history.

Huffington Post

It was their first one ever.

The New York Times

"My first one ever was a rhinoceros.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

I had a feature in a show that was a dating feature, called Evening Encounters – one of the first ones ever on radio.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The videos of these infants were the first ones ever taken".

The Guardian

We did four workshops, which no one did in those days — we were the first ones ever to do it.

The New York Times

Money flies out the door; Wiseau spends half a million dollars to be the "first ones ever in Hollywood to shoot with two cameras, 35 millimeter and HD, at the same time".

The New York Times - Books

Last year, lawmakers passed a bill to add two members to the board — the first ones ever to not be selected by the governor.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first one ever" to emphasize the unprecedented nature of an event or item. For example, 'This study is the "first one ever" to examine this specific correlation'.

Common error

Avoid using "first one ever" when 'first' alone is sufficient to convey the meaning. For example, instead of saying 'This is the "first one ever" built', consider 'This is the first built'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first one ever" functions as an intensifier to emphasize the unprecedented nature of an event, object, or occurrence. Ludwig examples confirm its role in highlighting uniqueness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first one ever" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the originality and unprecedented nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in news and media, highlighting its significance in various contexts. When using "first one ever", consider its intensifying effect and ensure it adds value rather than being redundant. Alternatives like "very first one" or "original" can be used depending on the desired nuance. It's a powerful phrase when used judiciously to highlight true uniqueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very first one

Emphasizes the uniqueness using "very".

initial one

Indicates the beginning or commencement.

original

Highlights the initial or earliest form.

inaugural

Suggests a formal or ceremonial beginning.

premiere

Used for events, suggesting the first public showing.

maiden

Often used in contexts like voyage or speech, implying the first attempt.

groundbreaking

Highlights innovation and being the first of its kind.

prototype

Focuses on an early model or test version.

forerunner

Suggests something that comes before and paves the way for others.

genesis

Emphasizes the origin or beginning.

FAQs

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

Use "first one ever" to emphasize that something is the very first instance of its kind. For example, "This is the "first one ever" discovered in this region".

What are some alternatives to "first one ever"?

You can use alternatives like "very first one", "inaugural", or "original" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "first one ever"?

While it can sometimes be redundant, "first one ever" often adds emphasis to the uniqueness of something, distinguishing it from simply being the 'first'.

What is the difference between "first one" and "first one ever"?

"First one" simply indicates order, whereas "first one ever" emphasizes the uniqueness and unprecedented nature of something. The phrase "first one ever" highlights that there were none before.