first prizes

USAGE SUMMARY

'first prizes' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a competition or contest where there is a distinction made between the top prize and other prizes. For example: "The first prize for the spelling bee was an iPad, while the second and third prizes were gift cards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The first prizes were given in 1917.

The New York Times - Arts

Three students received first prizes in their age groups.

The New York Times

The first prizes were not awarded until 1901.

The New York Times - Science

One summer, he won all seven first prizes for vegetables at the Horticultural Show.

The New Yorker

These are all things one can win, although they're not necessarily all first prizes.

The New York Times

He died the next year, and the first prizes were awarded five years later, in 1901.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

He won first prize.

The New Yorker

It took first prize.

The New York Times - Food

The committee awarded it first prize.

The New Yorker

With a first prize of $10,000?

The New York Times - Books

First prize is a Cadillac Eldorado.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about competitions, use "first prizes" to clearly distinguish the top awards from other forms of recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "first prizes" interchangeably with terms like "participation awards". "First prizes" denote superior achievement, while other awards may recognize effort or involvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first prizes" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first prizes" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the top awards in a competition or contest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, make sure to differentiate it from general "awards" or "participation awards", as it denotes a higher level of achievement. Consider alternatives like "top awards" or "grand prizes" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first place awards

Highlights the 'first place' aspect rather than the 'prize' itself.

grand prizes

Emphasizes the scale and importance of the prizes.

primary awards

Replaces the concept of "first" and highlights that they are main awards.

top awards

Focuses on the 'best' aspect of awards, removing the competitive aspect suggested by prizes.

highest honors

Highlights the level of recognition, suggesting prestige.

premier awards

Emphasizes the high status and exclusivity of the prizes.

leading honors

Highlights the honor associated with the prize, making it slightly more formal.

top accolades

Uses a more sophisticated synonym for 'prizes', indicating public praise and recognition.

championship awards

Implies a competitive, sports-related context.

gold medals

Specifically refers to the top prize in sports or similar competitions.

FAQs

How to use "first prizes" in a sentence?

You can use "first prizes" to describe the top awards given in a competition, such as: "The competition awarded "first prizes" in three categories.".

What can I say instead of "first prizes"?

You can use alternatives like "top awards", "leading honors", or "grand prizes" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "first prizes" or "first place prizes"?

"First prizes" is more concise and commonly used. "First place prizes" is also acceptable but can be slightly redundant, as "first" already implies a top position.

What's the difference between "first prizes" and "awards"?

"Awards" is a broader term encompassing all recognitions, while "first prizes" specifically refers to the top-level awards in a competition or contest. Not all awards are "first prizes".