first time in the history of

USAGE SUMMARY

"first time in the history of" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express that something has never happened before in the past, or at least not in recent times. For example, "This is the first time in the history of the company that we have had such high sales figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's the first time in the history of the U.S.O.

The New York Times - Arts

Medicare spending declined slightly last year, for the first time in the history of the program.

The New York Times

We won a county-tournament game for the first time in the history of the school.

The New Yorker

For the first time in the history of European integration, Germany is putting the brakes on.

The Guardian - Opinion

Terminations will be legal up to 12 weeks' gestation for the first time in the history of the state.

The Guardian

For the first time in the history of New Jersey, a riot call was sent out to the State Police.

The New York Times

It will be the first time in the history of spaceflight that two women have conducted a spacewalk together.

The New York Times - Science

For the first time in the history of our species, we can dictate the final genetic constitution of the offspring.

The Guardian

However, this is the first time in the history of the ISS programme that a manned Soyuz mission has failed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Then, for the second time in the history of the world, we will have discovered fire".

Huffington Post

For the first time ever in the history of insurance!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "first time in the history of" to emphasize the novelty and uniqueness of an event, discovery, or achievement. It adds weight to your statement and highlights the importance of the moment.

Common error

Avoid using "first time in the history of" too frequently within the same piece of writing. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Consider alternative phrases or rephrase sentences to maintain variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first time in the history of" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurred. According to Ludwig, this phrase is valid and common in written English. It serves to emphasize the novelty or uniqueness of an event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first time in the history of" is a powerful tool for emphasizing the novelty and uniqueness of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across diverse contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as ""unprecedented in history"" or ""historic first"" can provide variety. Ludwig's examples showcase its effectiveness in drawing attention to significant and unprecedented occurrences, spanning from news reports to scientific discoveries. The phrase functions as an adverbial, modifying verbs or clauses to emphasize the timing of a novel event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Never before in history

Similar to "first time", this variant uses "never before" to stress the absence of prior instances.

Unprecedented in history

Emphasizes the lack of prior occurrence, replacing "first time" with "unprecedented".

First instance on record

Highlights the event as the earliest documented occurrence of its kind.

A historic first

Highlights the significance of the event as a "first", framing it as historically important.

Unparalleled event

Emphasizes the uniqueness and lack of comparison for the event throughout history.

For the inaugural time

Replaces "first time" with "inaugural time", implying a formal beginning or launch.

A historical precedent

Focuses on the event as setting a new standard or example for future events.

A landmark occurrence

Focuses on the event as a notable milestone or turning point, rather than simply being the "first time".

Groundbreaking moment

Highlights the innovative and transformative nature of the event.

The dawn of a new era

Suggests that the event marks the start of a significant period or development.

FAQs

How can I use "first time in the history of" in a sentence?

You can use "first time in the history of" to emphasize the novelty or uniqueness of an event. For example, "This is the "first time in the history of" the company that we have achieved such high profits".

What can I say instead of "first time in the history of"?

You can use alternatives like "unprecedented in history", "historic first", or "never before in history" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "for the first time in history"?

Yes, "for the first time in history" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase ""first time in the history of"" is also correct and offers a slightly different emphasis.

What is the difference between "first time in history" and "first time ever"?

"First time in history" emphasizes the lack of prior occurrence throughout all of recorded time, while "first time ever" simply means it has never happened before, without necessarily implying a historical context. The phrase ""first time in the history of"" adds additional emphasis to the novelty.