first time I did

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first time I did" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the initial occurrence of an action or experience in your life. Example: "The first time I did public speaking, I was extremely nervous but learned a lot from the experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Then, for the first time, I did not run away.

The New York Times

The first time I did this, I resisted.

The Guardian - Travel

The show was still in New York the first time I did it.

The New York Times

1984 was the first time I did the full primary season.

The New York Times

That was the first time I did one of those things".

Independent

"The first time I did it, people thought I was driving for, like, years".

Independent

Thurs was the first time I did the whole ballet!" "Don't let me be fat".

The New York Times - Arts

I was in heaven the first time I did a theater trip to London.

The New York Times

The first time I did it I was startled by the odd grinding noise it made.

The New York Times

The first time I did magic mushrooms I really found out who I was.

The Guardian

"First time I did it, the cameras they couldn't follow me," Mr. Alexander told True.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first time I did" to clearly indicate the initial instance of an action or experience. It's straightforward and easily understood in various contexts.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "first time I did" in close proximity. Vary your language by using alternatives to maintain reader engagement. For example, instead of saying 'The first time I did yoga, I felt relaxed. The first time I did meditation, I felt calm', try 'The "first experience with" yoga left me feeling relaxed, while meditation initially brought a sense of calm'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first time I did" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action. It specifies that something happened during the initial occurrence of an event. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first time I did" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an initial experience, as affirmed by Ludwig. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it serves to provide context and recount personal events. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms and avoiding overuse. Ludwig provides diverse examples, showing the versatility of this expression and solidifying its place in everyday language. The expression can be considered appropriate for a wide variety of registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when I originally did that

Replaces "first time" with "originally", conveying the idea of the start.

initial experience performing it

Focuses on the experience itself, replacing "did" with "performing it".

the first occasion I performed it

Replaces "did" with "performed", implying a task or action completed.

my first attempt at doing it

Highlights the act of attempting something for the first time.

my inaugural time doing that

Emphasizes the newness and beginning nature of the experience.

when I first undertook it

Uses a more formal verb, "undertook", to describe the beginning of an endeavor.

the first instance I engaged in it

Uses "engaged in" to describe participating in the activity.

the first moment I carried it out

Focuses on the execution of a specific task or action.

my first go at doing that

Informal expression for trying something new.

the first ever occasion I accomplished it

Adds emphasis by using the word 'ever' and changes 'did' to 'accomplished'

FAQs

How can I rephrase "first time I did" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "the initial time I performed it", "when I first undertook it", or "the first occasion on which I did it". These options offer a more sophisticated way to express the same idea.

Is it grammatically correct to say "first time I did"?

Yes, the phrase "first time I did" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources.

What's a more casual way to say "first time I did"?

In a more casual setting, you could say "my first go at" or "the first time I tried it". These options are suitable for informal conversations.

How to avoid repetition when using "first time I did" multiple times in a paragraph?

Vary your phrasing by using synonyms or re structuring your sentences. For example, instead of "The first time I did this, I struggled. The first time I did that, I succeeded", you could say "Initially, I struggled with this, but I succeeded on my "first attempt at" that".