first time here

USAGE SUMMARY

'first time here' is a perfectly acceptable expression in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that has arrived at a particular location for the first time, either in the physical world or online. For example: "This is my first time here; I'm excited to explore all the attractions this city has to offer!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is my first time here".

The New York Times

It's Mayer's first time here.

The Guardian

"It's our first time here.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's our first time here," she says.

The Guardian

Is this your first time here?

The New Yorker

"I think it's most of these guys' first time here".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's our first time here," Ms. Siskos said.

The New York Times

Simpson actually has bittersweet memories of his first time here.

The New York Times

JODL: For the first time here in Nuremberg.

Yale University

It's my first time here and I like it.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is my first time here," Dillon said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first time here" to establish a sense of novelty or inexperience, setting the stage for a description of your impressions or expectations.

Common error

Don't assume your audience knows what "here" means. Be specific. For example, instead of just saying "It's my first time here", say "It's my "first time in Rome"" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first time here" functions primarily as an introductory statement indicating a lack of prior experience in a particular place or situation. It's used to set the context for subsequent remarks, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first time here" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that someone is experiencing a place or situation for the first time. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to express novelty and set the stage for further explanation or impressions. While generally neutral in tone, it leans toward informal, making it suitable for a wide range of situations. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "here" refers to, and be mindful of the context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "never been here before" or "initial visit" depending on the desired level of formality. With a high expert rating and strong source quality, "first time here" is a reliable and effective phrase for conveying newness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

never been here before

Emphasizes the lack of prior experience in a specific location.

new to this place

A more straightforward way of saying it's one's first time in a location.

initial visit

Focuses on the act of visiting for the first time, suitable for formal contexts.

debut appearance

Highlights the first public showing or performance in a particular place.

maiden voyage

Implies a first journey or experience, often with a sense of adventure or significance.

first experience

Broader than just location; it covers a wide variety of 'first time' situations.

inaugural presence

Highlights a formal or significant first appearance.

virgin territory

Suggests a place or experience that is completely new and unexplored.

unfamiliar surroundings

Emphasizes the newness and strangeness of a location.

brand new experience

It emphasizes the experience is entirely new, it is an amplified version of "first time here".

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using "This is my initial visit", "This marks my inaugural presence", or "I am new to this locale".

What's a more casual alternative to "first time here"?

In informal settings, you could say "Never been here before", "I'm new to this place", or simply "It's my first time".

Is it correct to say "first time here at" instead of "first time here"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "at" after "first time here" can sometimes sound redundant. For example, "It's my "first time here"" is often sufficient, but "It's my first time here at this conference" is also acceptable if you want to emphasize the specific event.

What's the difference between "first time here" and "first visit here"?

"First time here" is a general expression indicating a novel experience in a particular location. "First visit here" specifically emphasizes the act of visiting, often implying a more deliberate or planned trip.