first section

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first section" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the initial part of a document, report, or any structured content. For example, "In the first section, we will discuss the background of the study." Alternative expressions include "initial section" and "opening section."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first section was won by Petite Rouge.

The New Yorker

The first section is eerie and distinguished.

The Economist

I wrote the first section that night.

The Guardian - Books

I skipped the entire first section.

The Guardian - Music

The first section of the 7th Ave.

The New Yorker

The first section was labeled "humor," which was encouraging.

The New York Times

The first section of the show is called Rising Signs.

The Guardian - Arts

The first section of the barrier is nearing completion.

The New York Times - Magazine

The first section is titled "Jenny Holzer feat.

The New Yorker

The first section of Amy shows her as a teenager.

The Guardian - Film

But this first section is uneven in tone and control.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, ensure the "first section" explicitly defines the scope of the remaining text to establish clear expectations.

Common error

Avoid using redundant phrases like "the very first section" in formal contexts, as "first" already implies the absolute beginning. Additionally, do not confuse a descriptive reference like "the first section" with a formal title like "Section 1"; use the former for general flow and the latter for specific cross-referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first section" acts as a noun phrase where 'first' serves as an ordinal adjective modifying the noun 'section'. According to Ludwig, it is primarily used as a structural signpost to help readers or viewers navigate through organized information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

Wiki

32%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first section" is a foundational element of English organizational language. Ludwig data confirms its very common status across a diverse array of professional and casual mediums, from high-level scientific research to simple DIY guides on WikiHow. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is most effective when used to introduce a sequence or describe a physical segment of a larger work. Because it follows standard grammar rules and maintains a high level of clarity, it remains a reliable choice for any writer looking to provide structure. Whether you are dividing a novel, a hair-braiding tutorial or a transformer technical book, starting with the "first section" ensures your audience can follow your logic from the very beginning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial portion

Uses more formal vocabulary suitable for technical reports or quantitative analysis.

introductory section

Specifically denotes that the part serves to introduce subsequent content.

opening segment

Commonly used in media, broadcasting and sequential storytelling contexts.

part one

A more structural, labeled approach often used in multi-part series or book divisions.

first division

Suggests a formal split or classification within a larger organized body.

leading section

Implies a directional or guiding role within a physical or logical structure.

primary part

Suggests that the section is not just first in order, but also in importance.

first installment

Often used for serialized content, publications or periodic payments.

beginning stage

Shifts the focus from a physical portion to a temporal or process-oriented phase.

starting point

Metaphorical variation focusing on the origin or commencement of an idea.

FAQs

How to use "first section" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the start of a process or text, such as: "The "initial section" of the report covers the methodology."

What can I say instead of "first section"?

Depending on the context, you might use "opening part", "introductory chapter" or "part one".

Which is correct, "first section" or "Section 1"?

Both are correct but serve different purposes. Use "Section 1" as a formal name or label, while "first section" is a descriptive phrase used in general prose.

Is "first section" formal enough for a thesis?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. However, many scholars prefer "introductory section" to be more precise about the function of the text.