first print

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first print" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial version or edition of a printed work, such as a book or a document. Example: "The first print of the novel sold out within days of its release."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

After his first print run, Upham rapidly expanded his inventory.

The New York Times

The first print is a state, or trial, proof.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here, too, the first print run sold quickly.

The Guardian - Books

Its second let it launch its first print edition.

The Guardian - Books

The book's first print run was 50,000.

The New York Times

The first print advertisements will appear this week.

The New York Times

The debut volume has a 250,000-copy first print run.

The New York Times - Books

The first print run of "Autobiography" was for 50,000 copies.

The New York Times - Books

But sometimes it can be surprising what slips into the first print editions.

The New York Times

The first print issue sold 35,000 copies on newsstands and 13,000 by subscription.

The New York Times

(Its first print collection, "Multiplex: Enjoy Your Show," was released last year).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the number of copies produced in the "first print", use the phrase "first print run" to clarify the meaning and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "first print" when you actually mean "first impression". The former refers to the initial physical copies of a publication, while the latter refers to an initial perception or feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first print" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It commonly refers to the initial production or edition of a printed material. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and frequent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first print" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that refers to the initial production or edition of a printed work. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias and wiki sources. When discussing quantities, consider using "first print run" for clarity. Alternatives include "initial printing", "first edition", and "initial run". Be mindful not to confuse it with "first impression", which carries a different meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial printing

Replaces "print" with "printing", emphasizing the action of printing rather than the physical product.

first edition

Focuses specifically on books or publications, indicating the earliest published version.

initial run

Emphasizes the production quantity of the first printing.

original print run

Highlights both the originality and quantity of the initial printing.

debut print

Suggests a launch or introduction of a new printed item.

trial proof

Refers to an early version of a print made for review and correction, especially in printmaking.

state proof

Similar to "trial proof", used in printmaking to denote a proof taken at a particular stage of the process.

first impression

Although more commonly associated with initial experiences, it can also apply to the first printing of a work.

preliminary print

Highlights that the print is an early or initial version, potentially subject to change.

early edition

A more general term for a print that is among the first produced.

FAQs

How can I use "first print" in a sentence?

You can use "first print" to describe the initial run of a publication, like in the sentence: "The "first print" of the book sold out quickly."

What's a good alternative to "first print"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "initial printing", "first edition" or "initial run".

Is it correct to say "first printing" instead of "first print"?

Yes, "first printing" is a valid and often interchangeable alternative to "first print", particularly when referring to the act or process of printing for the first time. However, "first print" emphasizes the physical product, while "first printing" focuses on the process.

What does "first print run" mean?

"First print run" refers to the number of copies produced in the initial printing of a book or publication. It's a common term in the publishing industry.