first semester

USAGE SUMMARY

"first semester" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the first period in a school year or other sequence of events. For example: "I'm looking forward to the new challenges of the first semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Food and Home the first semester.

The New Yorker

Your first semester is now behind you.

The New York Times

First semester of calculus.

Princeton University

The first semester was primarily academic.

The New York Times

December 1986 End of our first semester.

The New Yorker

I'd taken Allan's class my first semester.

The New Yorker

First semester, I found myself uncomfortable here.

The New York Times

Earlier in the first semester, U-Md.

The Washington Post

First semester freshman or transfer.

Cornell University

The Beats began to form during Carr's first semester there.

The New York Times - Books

I'm from Dallas, and this is my first semester here".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always consider the context. In some regions "first term" could be a more appropriate alternative.

Common error

Avoid assuming "first semester" always refers to a fall semester; it can also apply to the initial semester of a program starting at other times of the year.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first semester" functions as a noun phrase or adjectival phrase modifying another noun (e.g., "first semester grades", "first semester experience"). It specifies the initial period of an academic year or program. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first semester" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the initial period of an academic year. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "first term" or "initial semester" exist, "first semester" is widely understood. Be aware of potential misunderstandings regarding the specific timing of the semester and be sure to use it in a variety of writing styles from professional to more casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first term

Replaces "semester" with "term", denoting a similar period of academic study.

initial semester

Emphasizes the beginning nature of the semester.

first academic session

More formal and specific, highlighting the academic context.

opening semester

Focuses on the start or initiation of the semester.

first half-year

Highlights the duration of the period in relation to the academic year.

freshman semester

Implies that the person is a first-year student.

inaugural semester

Suggests a formal or significant beginning.

semester one

Uses a numerical designation to identify the semester.

maiden semester

Emphasizes the novelty and newness of the semester.

introductory semester

Highlights that the semester is an introduction to a course of study.

FAQs

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

You can use "first semester" to describe experiences or events that occur during the beginning of an academic year, such as, "My "first semester" of college was challenging but rewarding".

What are some alternatives to saying "first semester"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "first term", "initial semester", or "opening semester".

Is it correct to use "1st semester" instead of "first semester"?

While "1st semester" is understandable, ""first semester"" is generally preferred in formal writing. However, "1st semester" could be used in informal communications or tables.

What is the difference between "first semester" and "second semester"?

"First semester" refers to the beginning of the academic year, while "second semester" denotes the subsequent half, typically following a break or holiday.