first point of reference

USAGE SUMMARY

"first point of reference" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about the initial thing you turn to for information on a certain matter. Example: When researching the history of the stock market, "The Wall Street Journal" was my first point of reference.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I am the first point of reference to the viewing.

The New York Times - Arts

It remains the first point of reference for scholar, student and general reader alike.

Princeton University

"The entryway is going to be your first point of reference when you walk in," she said.

The New York Times

His first-published story, when he was 13, was in an Urdu newspaper, and Urdu literature remains his "first point of reference".

The Guardian

I was struck by the fact that his first point of reference was a car — and an American model that would not have been available in India 15 years ago.

The New York Times

"Their first point of reference was friends visiting — their fashion spies," said the author, who is planning to do a second book on the décor of the nuns' cells.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Many parents choose the internet as their first point-of-reference over other sources of information including professionals in offline settings.

BMC Family Practice

Preludes, Bagatelles, Liebestraums, Sonatas, Improvisations -- I knew what these were, and they were my first points of reference for this thing called form.

Huffington Post

Millie's role is similar to that of a sock puppet – a third point of reference on which teacher and child can focus, diffusing any head-on tension.

Independent

Once the GB is deployed, we deploy the first sensor node such that it acts as a second point of reference for the localization purposes.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

These practices give your proprioceptive system a third point of reference (in addition to your two feet) that can be used to balance your body around its center of gravity.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first point of reference", ensure the context clearly indicates what area the reference is related to. For example, "The dictionary is the first point of reference for defining words."

Common error

While versatile, "first point of reference" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "I started with" or "I checked" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first point of reference" functions as a noun phrase identifying the initial source or resource consulted for information or guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first point of reference" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to denote the initial source of information or a starting place in research or inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in various contexts, although it tends to appear more often in news, scientific, and academic settings. When choosing alternatives, consider "initial source of information" or "primary reference point" to maintain similar levels of formality and precision. Remember to avoid overuse in informal settings, where simpler phrasing may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial source of information

Focuses on the informational aspect, highlighting where one initially obtains data.

primary reference point

Emphasizes the role of the reference as being the main one.

starting point for research

Specifies the context of research as the area of application.

initial source of data

Similar to 'initial source of information' but more specific to data.

go-to resource

Indicates a reliable and frequently consulted source.

key source

Highlights the importance of the source.

principal authority

Suggests a leading expert or source of expertise.

first port of call

Implies the first place one goes to for assistance or information.

initial consultation

Focuses on seeking advice or guidance initially.

primary guide

Emphasizes the guiding function of the source.

FAQs

How can I use "first point of reference" in a sentence?

You can use "first point of reference" to indicate the initial place or source someone consults for information. For example, "Wikipedia is often the "first point of reference" for quick information."

What are some alternatives to "first point of reference"?

Some alternatives include "initial source of information", "primary reference point", or "starting point for research" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "initial point of reference" instead of "first point of reference"?

Yes, "initial point of reference" is a valid alternative and carries a similar meaning. Both terms are acceptable in formal writing.

What's the difference between "first point of contact" and "first point of reference"?

"First point of contact" refers to the initial person or department to reach out to for assistance or information, while ""first point of reference"" indicates the initial source or resource one consults for information.