first paragraph

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first paragraph" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "For the main body of the essay, I wrote five paragraphs - the first paragraph was an introduction to the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Read the first paragraph.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the first paragraph.

The Guardian - Opinion

I read the first paragraph.

The Guardian

A main focus in the first paragraph?

The New York Times

It comes in the first paragraph.

The New York Times - Books

And that's just in the first paragraph.

The New Yorker

And that's just the first paragraph.

The Guardian - Books

"The first paragraph said she died of C.J.D.," Skarbek remembered.

The New York Times - Magazine

First Starbucks joke: first paragraph of the introduction.

The New York Times - Books

First Donald Trump joke: first paragraph of Chapter 1.

The New York Times - Books

THE main point at issue occurs in the first paragraph.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In news articles, ensure the "first paragraph" summarizes the key information for immediate reader comprehension.

Common error

Avoid cramming too much information into the "first paragraph". A clear and concise introduction is more effective than an overly detailed one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first paragraph" functions as a noun phrase identifying a specific section of a written text. Ludwig's examples show it used in analyses, instructions, and general references to the introductory part of various documents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first paragraph" is a common and grammatically correct term used to refer to the introductory section of a text. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. The analysis reveals that it functions as a noun phrase with a neutral register, mainly used to specify a particular section for analysis or instruction. The high frequency of its occurrence, as noted by Ludwig, underscores its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening paragraph

Replaces "first" with "opening", emphasizing the paragraph's role as an introduction.

initial paragraph

Uses "initial" instead of "first", suggesting the beginning or commencement.

introductory paragraph

Specifies the paragraph's purpose as an introduction.

starting paragraph

Simple substitution of "first" with "starting".

lead paragraph

Replaces "first" with "lead", often used in journalism to denote the most important introductory paragraph.

opening section

Broader term referring to any opening part, not necessarily a paragraph.

the beginning of the text

A more descriptive phrase indicating the start of a written piece.

the first section

A general term that can apply to any kind of document or piece of writing.

the lede

A journalistic term for the introductory section of a news story.

opening remarks

Refers to introductory comments, usually in speech.

FAQs

How to use "first paragraph" in a sentence?

You can use "first paragraph" to refer to the introductory part of a text. For example, "The main idea is introduced in the "first paragraph"".

What's the purpose of the "first paragraph" in an essay?

The "first paragraph" in an essay serves to introduce the topic, state the thesis, and engage the reader. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay.

What should I include in the "first paragraph" of a cover letter?

In the "first paragraph" of a cover letter, you should state the position you're applying for, how you found the job posting, and a brief overview of your qualifications.

Is it okay to rewrite the "first paragraph" after completing the whole document?

Yes, it's often beneficial to revisit and rewrite the "first paragraph" after you've finished writing the entire document to ensure it accurately reflects the content and tone.