first time I got

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first time I got" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial experience of receiving or obtaining something. Example: "The first time I got a puppy, I was overjoyed and couldn't stop smiling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first time I got drunk.

Independent

This is the first time I got hit.

The New York Times - Sports

And for the first time I got it.

The New York Times

The very first time I got drunk, I was 10.

The New York Times - Magazine

When I got to IndyCar, it was the first time I got to an oval.

The New York Times - Sports

It was the first time I got to meet my mum's family.

Independent

"They weren't here the first time I got called up, so they were here this time.

The New York Times

"That was the first time I got stopped by the police, in that car.

The New York Times

"The first time I got a chance to pull people together".

The New York Times

"The first time, I got a branch that was too rigid – wasn't funny.

Independent

"I remember the first time I got one, I was a little offended," Dr. Singh said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a significant event, follow "first time I got" with a clear and concise explanation of the experience. For example, "The "first time I got" published, I felt a sense of accomplishment."

Common error

Avoid using "first time I got" without providing sufficient context. Readers may struggle to understand what you received or experienced. Ensure the sentence clearly indicates the object or situation you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first time I got" functions as a noun phrase or adverbial phrase, often introducing a clause that describes an initial experience or acquisition. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first time I got" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a narrative about an initial experience or acquisition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternative phrases like "initial experience of receiving" or "when I first received" for varied emphasis or formality. Ensure your writing is clear and provides enough detail about what you received or experienced. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media. Top authoritative sources are The New York Times, The Guardian, Independent, Huffington Post and Vice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial experience of receiving

Replaces "first time" with "initial experience" and "got" with "receiving", emphasizing the experience of obtaining something.

first instance of obtaining

Substitutes "time" with "instance" and "got" with "obtaining", highlighting the specific occurrence of acquisition.

when I first received

Changes the structure to a clause starting with "when", focusing on the moment of receiving.

my first experience with

Shifts the focus to a general experience, using "with" to connect to a following activity or object.

the first occasion I obtained

Replaces "time" with "occasion" and "got" with "obtained", giving a slightly more formal tone.

on my first encounter with

Uses "encounter" to indicate a meeting or interaction, suitable when referring to people or abstract concepts.

when I initially acquired

Focuses on the moment when something was first acquired.

the maiden time I received

Replaces "first" with "maiden" emphasizing the beginning, the virgin experience

my initiation with

Uses initiation to say the first time the user took part of something

at the beginning that I got

Expresses the same situation and context using the term beginning

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "the initial instance of receiving", "the first occasion on which I obtained", or "my initial experience with". These options offer a more sophisticated way to express the same idea.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "first time I got"?

While generally correct, avoid using "first time I got" if the context is unclear. Ensure the sentence specifies what you got. If it's vague, rephrase for clarity. For instance, specify what was obtained or experienced.

What's the difference between "first time I got" and "when I first got"?

"First time I got" is a noun phrase that introduces a situation or experience. "When I first got", on the other hand, is an adverbial clause that specifies the moment something occurred, like "when I first received" the award, I was surprised.

What are some alternatives to "first time I got" that emphasize the experience itself?

If you want to emphasize the experience, use phrases like "my first experience with", or "initial experience of receiving". These options draw attention to the overall encounter rather than the simple act of receiving something.