first shot

USAGE SUMMARY

"first shot" is an idiom that can be used in written English.
It can refer to the first attempt at something, especially when one may be uncertain of success. For example, "The CEO was nervous about her first shot at negotiating with the merger partner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Nicholson's first shot?

The New York Times

My first shot tastes foul.

The New York Times - Food

First Shot of the War.

Cornell University

He was first shot in the chest.

The New York Times

He missed on the first shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Irving made his first shot moments later.

The New York Times - Sports

Lupul scored on the Leafs' first shot.

The New York Times - Sports

He calls my first shot dry.

The New York Times - Food

The first shot rimmed in and out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

3 23 Thirty-first shot – Soju.

Vice

"That first shot was harrowing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first shot" in sports writing, ensure the context clearly indicates which team or player is taking the shot. Adding specifics helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "first shot" literally in contexts where a more precise term is needed. For instance, in technical or scientific writing, specify the type of shot (e.g., "initial data point" instead of "first shot").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first shot" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates the initial attempt or action in a particular context, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

General

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first shot" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the initial attempt or action in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and can be applied in various contexts, ranging from sports and news to general discussions. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure the most appropriate usage. When looking for alternatives, consider options like "initial attempt", "opening move", or "inaugural effort" to best match the intended meaning. Remember to avoid overly literal usage in formal or technical writing, which might require more precise terminology.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial attempt

Focuses on the act of trying something for the first time, emphasizing the attempt itself.

opening move

Emphasizes the strategic aspect of initiating an action, similar to a game or competition.

inaugural effort

Highlights the formal or official nature of the first attempt, often used in business or professional contexts.

first endeavor

Similar to 'initial attempt' but emphasizes the effort and dedication involved.

maiden voyage

This metaphor is used when first attempt has to do with travelling or discovery.

primary undertaking

Emphasizes the act of starting an action, similar to 'opening move'.

first go

Informal way of saying the initial try

starting point

Focuses on the idea of beginning or initiating a process.

preliminary action

Highlights the action itself

lead-off

More informal and can be used in business context when starting the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "first shot" to describe the initial attempt at something, such as "Her "first shot" missed the rim entirely" or "Maine certainly fired the "first shot"".

What does "first shot" mean?

The phrase "first shot" typically refers to the initial attempt or action in a given situation. It can also refer to the literal first shot in a game or conflict.

What can I say instead of "first shot"?

You can use alternatives like "initial attempt", "opening move", or "inaugural effort" depending on the context.

Is "first shot" formal or informal?

"First shot" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both informal and professional contexts, but avoid using it literally in very formal or technical context.