first sex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first sex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone's initial sexual experience or encounter.
Example: "Many people remember their first sex as a significant moment in their lives."
Alternatives: "first sexual experience" or "initial sexual encounter".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

First sex.

The New Yorker

They knew the first Sex Pistols album was great.

The Guardian - Music

The first sex books for kids were schoolbooks.

The New Yorker

A. That was my first sex scene and nude scene.

The New York Times - Arts

With each spoonful, I tried to wipe away the memory of my first sex lesson.

The New Yorker

When Tallinn acquires its first sex shop, the pimps are ex-KGB.

The Guardian - Books

"I had my first sex scene in that movie," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

That was where we had our first sex in a year.

The New York Times

She was also attacked in 2010, after organizing China's first sex workers' rally".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

First, sex-specific UA quartiles are associated with various risk factors and the prevalence of MetS.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

She [first sex partner] had a younger sister.

Culture, Health and Sexuality

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "first sex", consider the audience and context. In scientific or medical contexts, it's appropriate, but in more casual settings, consider using softer alternatives like "first sexual experience".

Common error

Avoid using "first sex" in contexts where it might be considered too blunt or clinical. In personal narratives or casual conversations, phrases like "first time" or "first sexual experience" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first sex" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to the initial instance of sexual activity in a person's life. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in both personal narratives and scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first sex" is a grammatically sound and understandable term used to refer to a person's initial sexual experience. According to Ludwig, while technically correct, its directness means it is more suited to certain contexts than others. It appears commonly in both scientific and news media, but more euphemistic options should be considered depending on the context and the audience. Be mindful of the setting and choose vocabulary that appropriately reflects the tone and register you're going for.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial sexual experience

Replaces "sex" with a more explicit and formal term.

first sexual encounter

Uses "encounter" instead of "sex", softening the term.

loss of virginity

Focuses on the concept of virginity rather than the act itself.

sexual debut

Employs a more sophisticated and clinical term for the first sexual experience.

first time having sex

A more verbose but descriptive alternative.

initiation into sex

Suggests a process or ceremony.

More alternative expressions

initial sex

prior sex

1st sex

worst sex

largest sex

first ever sex

first time sex

nearest sex

strongest sex

earliest sex

highest sex

biggest sex

first novel

first necessity

first intention

first choice

first convention

first increment

first obstacle

first landmark

FAQs

What is another way to say "first sex"?

Alternatives include "first sexual experience", "initial sexual encounter", or "loss of virginity", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "first sex" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "first sex" may sound clinical. Consider using "first sexual experience" or "sexual debut" for a more formal tone.

What age is typically associated with "first sex"?

The age of "initial sexual experience" varies, but studies often report averages in the late teens, as seen in scientific research.

How does the phrase "first sex" differ from "sexual debut"?

"First sex" is a direct term for the initial sexual encounter. "Sexual debut" is a more formal and somewhat euphemistic term, suitable for academic or sophisticated contexts.