first stop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first stop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial destination or point of interest in a journey or series of events. Example: "Our first stop on the road trip will be the Grand Canyon, where we plan to take some photos and enjoy the view."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

First, stop protecting Papa.

The New York Times

First stop: Heath Ceramics.

The New York Times

It's our first stop.

The New York Times - Sports

First stop, Applebee's.

The New York Times

Recommended first stop: Pakistan.

The New York Times - Magazine

First stop: school enrollment.

The New York Times

London first stop.

The New Yorker

Monday First stop Italy.

Independent

My first stop was Fairway.

The New York Times

First stop, the oil sands.

Independent

Scranton was my first stop.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing narratives of trips or events, use "first stop" to immediately orient the reader and establish the itinerary. This creates a clear timeline and helps guide the reader through the story.

Common error

Avoid using "first stop" when describing abstract concepts or processes that do not involve physical locations or sequential actions. For abstract concepts, consider using alternatives like "initial stage" or "starting point".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first stop" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as an adverbial to indicate the beginning of a sequence of actions or destinations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first stop" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate the beginning of a journey, sequence, or plan. As supported by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase, often acting as an adverbial, and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it’s best used when referring to physical locations or sequential actions and can be replaced by alternatives like "initial destination" or "starting point" in certain situations. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles, and its widespread usage ensures clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first destination

Replaces 'stop' with a more formal synonym.

primary location

Highlights the initial place visited or considered.

first leg

Describes the initial segment of a journey or race.

initial destination

Focuses on the ending point, more precise for navigation.

first port of call

Uses a nautical metaphor for an initial destination.

starting point

Emphasizes the beginning of an activity or process.

kick-off point

Suggests the location where something starts or begins.

initial stage

Highlights the beginning phase of a project or plan.

launching pad

Implies a place of commencement, often for projects or initiatives.

opening move

Implies a strategic action that begins a series of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "first stop" to indicate the initial destination or action in a sequence. For instance, "Our "first stop" on the tour will be the museum" or "First stop, gather all the necessary materials before starting the project".

What are some alternatives to "first stop"?

Alternatives include "initial destination", "starting point", or "primary location", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "first stop" or "initial stop"?

Both "first stop" and "initial stop" are correct, but "first stop" is more common and widely understood. The choice depends on the level of formality desired.

Can "first stop" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "first stop" is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, you might prefer "initial destination" or "primary location".