first time seeing

USAGE SUMMARY

"first time seeing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an experience of encountering or witnessing something for the first time. For example: "It was my first time seeing a whale in the wild, and it was an incredible experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"This is my first time seeing tennis live," Bolt said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was their first time seeing that book.

The New York Times - Books

It's my first time seeing them perform in Havana.

The New York Times

It was my first time seeing patients since my wife's diagnosis.

The New York Times

This will be his first time seeing the marathon from the finish line, he said.

The New Yorker

"This is my first time seeing live fire," he said at the debate's start.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Admit to facing a first-time seeing of "Riverdance" and a reviewer is peppered with advice.

The New York Times

For some of them it was the first time seeing a washing machine or a microwave".

The New York Times

Both of us had the experience the first time seeing it of "Oh.

Huffington Post

I only saw "Devotion" once — quite probably my first time seeing it was also my last.

The New York Times - Arts

But it was my first time seeing John Cameron Mitchell.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a personal experience, use "first time seeing" to emphasize the novelty and impact of the event on yourself or others. For instance, "It was my "first time seeing" the Northern Lights, and it was breathtaking."

Common error

While "first time seeing" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can sound repetitive or informal. Vary your language by using alternatives like "initial viewing" or "first encounter" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first time seeing" functions as a nominal phrase describing an initial visual experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing personal and shared experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first time seeing" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an initial experience of witnessing something, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to narrate or describe novel experiences, conveying a sense of newness or surprise. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "initial viewing" may be preferred in academic or technical contexts. Examples show its widespread use in describing personal reactions and observations. When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeing for the first occasion

Replaces 'time' with 'occasion', maintaining the meaning but sounding slightly more formal.

experiencing for the first time

Shifts the focus from visual perception to overall experience, broadening the context.

witnessing for the first time

Emphasizes the act of being a spectator or observer, adding a sense of formality.

first encounter with seeing

Uses 'encounter' to describe the initial experience, offering a slightly more descriptive tone.

initial viewing of

Focuses specifically on the act of watching or observing something, using more formal language.

first glimpse of

Suggests a brief or partial view, implying a sense of discovery.

never seen before

Highlights the novelty and uniqueness of the experience, emphasizing that it's unprecedented.

a maiden viewing of

Implies the very first opportunity to view something.

untouched visual experience

Highlights the unspoiled nature of experiencing something for the first time.

brand new view

Highlights the novelty of viewing something.

FAQs

How can I use "first time seeing" in a sentence?

You can use "first time seeing" to describe an initial experience of witnessing something. For example, "This is my "first time seeing" a Broadway show," or "It was her "first time seeing" snow."

What are some alternatives to "first time seeing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "initial viewing of", "first encounter with seeing", or "experiencing for the first time".

Is it grammatically correct to say "first time seeing"?

Yes, "first time seeing" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to describe the initial experience of witnessing something.

How can I emphasize the novelty of an experience using "first time seeing"?

To highlight the novelty, you can add descriptive adjectives or adverbs. For instance, "It was my absolutely breathtaking "first time seeing" the Grand Canyon," or "It was a surprisingly emotional "first time seeing" her perform."