first read about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first read about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initial time you encountered or learned information about a specific topic or subject. Example: "I first read about the theory in a scientific journal during my undergraduate studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

New startup Gorb, which I first read about on David Berlind's blog, takes no such high road.

TechCrunch

First read about that.

WikiHow

When I first read about this trial, I was horrified.

The Guardian

In fact, I first read about the initiative on Twitter @LakeDistrictPR.

Independent

I first read about Kars in Pushkin's Turkish travelogue, "Journey to Arzrum" (1836).

The New Yorker

I first read about her in a wire story in The Boston Globe.

The New York Times

When he first read about himself, he said that everything went black.

The New Yorker

When I first read about you, I thought this guy is a liar, a fantasist.

The Guardian - Books

I first read about Leonardo da Vinci in a Ladybird book.

The Guardian - Arts

Zainab Salbi was 23 when she first read about rape camps in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Garner first read about the case one morning in August , 1992 in the Melbourne Age.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add detail about where you "first read about" the subject, specify the source: 'I first read about that initiative on Twitter'

Common error

Avoid using "heard about" when you specifically mean that you gained information from reading. "Heard about" implies an oral source. For example, instead of saying "I heard about the new policy in the newspaper", say "I first read about the new policy in the newspaper".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first read about" functions as a declarative expression indicating the initial exposure to a topic or subject through reading. It is commonly used to introduce a personal experience or to provide context about how one became aware of certain information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first read about" is a correct and frequently used phrase to describe your initial encounter with information in written form. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's particularly common in news, science, and general contexts. When using this phrase, make sure to specify the source when relevant. Remember to differentiate it from "first heard about", which implies oral communication. Alternatives include "initially discovered", "first learned of", and "came across initially". By following these guidelines, you can ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first learned of

Highlights the acquisition of knowledge about a subject.

initially discovered

Focuses on the act of finding something out for the first time.

first became aware of

Focuses on the moment of gaining awareness.

first encountered

Highlights the initial experience or introduction to something.

originally found out about

Emphasizes the origin of the knowledge.

came across initially

Emphasizes an accidental or unexpected discovery.

first saw mentioned

Highlights the act of seeing something in written form for the first time.

was initially informed about

Formal way of stating how information was first received.

was first acquainted with

Highlights the beginning of familiarity with something.

my first introduction to

Focuses on the personal experience of being introduced to something new.

FAQs

How can I use "first read about" in a sentence?

Use "first read about" to describe the initial time you encountered information in written form. For example: "I first read about that author's work in a literary magazine."

What can I say instead of "first read about"?

You can use alternatives like "initially discovered", "first learned of", or "came across initially" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "first read of" instead of "first read about"?

While "first read of" might be grammatically correct in some contexts, it's less common and might sound awkward. "First read about" is generally preferred when referring to the initial time you learned about something through reading.

What's the difference between "first read about" and "first heard about"?

"First read about" indicates that you initially learned something by reading it, whereas "first heard about" implies you learned it through spoken communication. For example, "I first read about the event on the website" versus "I first heard about the event from a friend".