first part

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first part" is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally, it can be used to indicate that something is the initial part or component of a larger whole. For example: "This is the first part of my research proposal, focusing on the background and literature review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is the first part.

The New York Times

The first part is obvious.

The New York Times

Crosby embodies the first part.

Independent

— the fascinating first part ends.

The New Yorker

The first part was easy.

The Economist

Boyne handles this first part ably enough.

The New York Times - Books

The first part isn't so difficult.

The New Yorker

But what of the first part?

Independent

The first part is a problem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Previously – Part the Seventh, Part the Fifth, Part the Fourth, Part the Third, Part the Second, Part the First.

Vice

Fourth Part.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, ensure that you clearly define what the whole is before referring to its parts to maintain clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using redundant phrases like "first initial part" as both words imply the same sequence. Additionally, do not use it as a synonym for "first half" if you are describing exactly fifty percent of a whole; being precise with your terminology helps the reader understand the scale of the division.

How to use

Learn how to use "first part" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first part" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to identify the leading segment of a whole. In Ludwig, it often acts as the subject or direct object in sentences describing structured content, such as articles, experiments or multi-stage processes. It serves as a navigational anchor for the reader, establishing a logical order.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Social Media

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first part" is an essential structural tool in written English. According to Ludwig AI, it is very common and universally accepted across various genres, from high-level academic research to casual online tutorials. It is most frequently used to categorize the beginning of a sequence, often appearing in publications like The New York Times and ScienceDirect. Whether you are dividing a literary work, a scientific study or a simple list of instructions, "first part" provides the necessary clarity to guide a reader through a structured narrative. It is grammatically correct and functions as a neutral, reliable way to denote the initial component of any larger entity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial segment

Provides a more formal or technical tone, often used in scientific or structural analysis

opening portion

Focuses on the introduction of a work or event

primary section

Emphasizes the section's position as the lead or main division

first half

Specific to a division into two equal parts

introductory component

Highlights the functional role of the section as an introduction

early stage

Refers to a point in time or a phase in a process rather than a physical part

commencing phase

Focuses on the action of beginning a process

lead chapter

Specifically applied to literary or book-length structures

preliminary part

Suggests something that precedes a more significant main event

starting point

Focuses on the precise origin or location where something begins

FAQs

What can I say instead of "first part"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "initial segment", "opening portion" or "first half" if the division is exactly 50%.

Is "first part" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in academic contexts. However, using "initial phase" or "primary section" can sometimes provide a more precise technical tone.

What is the difference between "first part" and "first half"?

While a "first part" can be any size, a "first half" specifically implies that the whole is divided into two equal portions.

How do I use "first part" in a professional email?

You can use it to structure information, such as: "The "first part of the project" is now complete, and we are moving to the next stage".