first thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"first thought" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to an initial opinion or idea about something. For example, "My first thought when I heard the news was that it must have been a mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

His first thought: "No!

The New York Times

Her first thought?

The New York Times

My first thought was, Where?

The New Yorker

Her first thought was dehydration.

The New York Times - Health

"What's your first thought?" "Car".

The New Yorker

"Wow," was her first thought.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

His first thoughts?

The New York Times - Sports

Those would be my first thoughts.

The New York Times

My first thoughts….

TechCrunch

His first thoughts are often better than his second thoughts and his second thoughts better than his third thoughts.

SEP

A second thought: Marty Feldman.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first thought" to clearly indicate the initial idea or reaction someone has to a situation, setting it apart from subsequent thoughts or reflections. It provides a chronological anchor for understanding a character's or your own mental process.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your "first thought" is always the most accurate or insightful. While spontaneity can be valuable, always follow up with critical thinking and analysis to ensure that your initial reaction is well-considered and appropriate for the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first thought" functions as a noun phrase that often serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the primary or initial idea, reaction, or consideration that arises in someone's mind in response to a situation or stimulus. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to describe the start of a mental process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first thought" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe an initial idea or reaction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in science and formal business settings. When using this phrase, remember to distinguish it from the "best thought" and consider it as a starting point for further analysis. Be sure to leverage "first thought" to provide a chronological framework to aid understanding a characters mental process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediate thought

Highlights the instantaneous nature of the idea.

opening thought

Emphasizes the beginning of a train of thought.

initial reaction

Focuses on the immediate emotional or behavioral response.

initial idea

Emphasizes the beginning concept or plan.

first impression

Relates to the initial perception of something or someone.

gut reaction

Implies an instinctive, emotional response.

primary consideration

Highlights the most important factor considered initially.

initial assessment

Highlights the first evaluation or judgment made.

original thought

Focuses on the novelty or uniqueness of the idea.

first inclination

Suggests an initial tendency or preference.

FAQs

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

You can use "first thought" to introduce an initial reaction or idea. For example, "My "first thought" was that it was a mistake."

What are some alternatives to "first thought"?

Alternatives include "initial reaction", "immediate thought", or "initial idea", depending on the specific context.

Is it always best to act on your "first thought"?

Not necessarily. While "first thought" can be insightful, it's important to consider the situation and weigh different options before making a decision. Sometimes, "a second thought" might be more appropriate.

How does "first thought" differ from "initial assessment"?

"First thought" is a more general term, while "initial assessment" implies a more formal evaluation or judgment. Use "initial assessment" when the situation requires a structured analysis.