first recorded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first recorded" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the earliest instance or documentation of something. An example is: "The first recorded use of the word dates back to the 16th century." Alternative expressions include "initially documented" and "earliest noted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The name came about because the disease made its first recorded appearance in Holland, & its first recorded victims were the native Dutch elms.

The New Yorker

First recorded by S.U.

Nature

Gender-fluid was first recorded in 1987.

The Guardian - Books

It was first recorded in 1389.

The New York Times

Tulip mania was one of the first recorded speculative bubbles.

The Guardian - Tech

When was real combat first recorded on film?

The Guardian - Film

• 1732 Scrapie, the brain disease, is first recorded in sheep.

The Guardian

It was the first recorded death caused by bird strike.

The New Yorker

Scrapie, the brain disease, is first recorded in sheep.

The Guardian

Its present name was first recorded in 1196.

Britannica

She was Mali's first recorded case of the disease.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first recorded", ensure you have a reliable source to back up the claim. Vague statements can undermine your credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "first recorded" without thoroughly researching if the claim is genuinely accurate. Many purported "firsts" are later disproven with new evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first recorded" functions as an adjective modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun is the earliest documented or registered instance of something. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first recorded" serves to pinpoint the earliest documented instance of something and is very common across various contexts, as validated by Ludwig. The phrase is widely used in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias to establish historical or factual precedence. As Ludwig AI points out, while grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's essential to ensure claims are well-sourced to avoid inaccuracies. Alternatives such as "initially documented" or "earliest instance noted" can provide subtle variations in meaning. When employing "first recorded", prioritize accuracy and consider the potential for earlier, undocumented occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially documented

Replaces "recorded" with "documented", emphasizing the act of documenting rather than recording.

earliest instance noted

Uses "instance" and "noted" to highlight a specific occurrence and its observation.

first time documented

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the documentation.

initially registered

Similar to documented, but implies an official registration or listing.

first observed instance

Highlights the act of observing as the primary means of recording.

earliest chronicle

Implies a historical account or record.

primary account

Focuses on the record as the most important or original source.

original notation

Emphasizes the original act of writing something down.

historically recorded

Highlights the historical significance of the recording.

prototypical registration

Implies that the event was the first of its kind in official logs.

FAQs

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

You can use "first recorded" to indicate when something was initially documented or observed. For example, "The "first recorded use" of the term was in the 16th century."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "first recorded"?

Alternatives include "initially documented", "earliest instance noted", or "first time documented", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to use "first recorded" when referring to historical events?

While "first recorded" implies the earliest known instance, it's essential to acknowledge that earlier, unrecorded instances may have occurred. Always cite your sources to maintain credibility.

What's the difference between "first recorded" and "original"?

"First recorded" refers to the earliest documented instance, while "original" implies the very beginning or creation of something. The "original notation" may or may not be the "first recorded instance" if it was never written down.