first question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing the initial inquiry in a series of questions or discussions. Example: "To start our discussion, let me pose the first question: What are your thoughts on climate change?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"First question".

The New Yorker

Their first question?

The New York Times

Refer to first question.

The New York Times

And that first question.

The New York Times

Congratulations, your first question here.

The New York Times

The first question is obvious:.

The Economist

The first question: Which song?

The New Yorker

The first question is fit.

The New York Times

And a tough first question.

The New Yorker

LH: Skipping your first question!

The New York Times

That's the first question.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, using "first question" can create suspense or set the tone for the rest of the conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "first question" excessively in casual conversations where a simpler introduction to the topic would suffice. Overuse can make your speech sound stilted or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first question" functions as a noun phrase, often used to introduce or identify the initial inquiry in a sequence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct and common way to signal the beginning of a line of questioning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first question" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent phrase used to introduce an initial inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and professional settings. Its primary function is to signal the start of a discussion or investigation, setting the stage for subsequent inquiries. Alternatives like "initial inquiry" or "opening question" offer similar meanings, while it’s important to avoid overuse in very casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening question

Highlights the role of the question in starting a conversation or discussion.

primary question

Emphasizes the importance or foundational nature of the question.

initial inquiry

Focuses on the act of asking, emphasizing the start of an investigation.

initial query

A more formal term for question, suitable for professional or academic settings.

the fundamental question

Indicates a question that is central and foundational to the discussion.

the question at hand

Highlights the immediate question to be addressed.

starting point

Shifts the focus to the beginning of a discussion or analysis, rather than a direct question.

the preliminary question

Implies the question serves as a lead-in to further inquiries.

first topic

Broader in scope, referring to the initial subject of discussion.

the first point to consider

Emphasizes the aspect of deliberation and reflection required.

FAQs

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

You can use "first question" to introduce the initial inquiry in a series of questions or discussions. Example: "The "first question" is, what are the main causes of climate change?"

What can I say instead of "first question"?

You can use alternatives like "initial inquiry", "opening question", or "primary question" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "first question" or "the first question"?

Both "first question" and "the first question" are correct. Using "the" adds definiteness, while omitting it can make the phrase sound more direct or conversational.

What's the difference between "first question" and "main question"?

"First question" indicates the chronological order of the inquiry, whereas "main question" highlights the most important or central question among others.