first time today

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first time today" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is happening for the initial occasion on the current day. Example: "This is the first time today that I've had a chance to relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is the first time today".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Interestingly, they both appear for the first time today.

The New York Times

For the first time today, Earl is prickly.

The Guardian - Music

Action ideas Do something for the first time today.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For the first time today, he looks a bit surly.

The Guardian - Music

Benitez spoke about the episode for the first time today.

The New York Times - Sports

Her name is published for the first time today.

The Guardian

Ty Powell, the linebacker from Harding, was in pads for the first time today.

The New York Times

1938 Sudeten Germans Call Hitler Führer PRAGUE — Sudeten Germans for the first time today [Sept.

The New York Times

Why am I surprised to see that APPLETS is appearing for the first time today?

The New York Times

"It feels like they were all buried for the first time today".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first time today" to emphasize the novelty or initial occurrence of an event within the current day. This phrasing is particularly effective in news reporting, personal anecdotes, or descriptive writing where highlighting the recency of an event is important.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly establishes that the 'first time' refers to the current day. Without proper context, it might be mistaken for a general first-time experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first time today" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something is happening. Ludwig shows that it typically specifies the initial occurrence of an event within the 24-hour period of the current day.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first time today" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something is happening for the initial occasion on the current day. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its prevalent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While simple and direct, it's important to ensure clarity in the context to avoid ambiguity. The phrase effectively emphasizes the recency or novelty of an event and is generally considered neutral in register. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, you can always use alternatives such as "debuted today", "today's inaugural", or "happening today for the first time" to emphasize a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

happening today for the first time

Emphasizes the occurrence as novel and unique to the current day.

experiencing it for the first time today

Highlights the individual's fresh encounter with something on the current day.

seeing it for the first time today

Focuses on the individual's initial experience of witnessing something on the current day.

debuted today

Focuses on the initial presentation or appearance occurring on the current day.

premiering today

Suggests a formal or significant first showing on the current day.

making its debut today

Similar to 'debuted today', but with a slightly more formal tone.

today's inaugural

Highlights the beginning or start of something specifically for today.

launching today

Implies the commencement or initiation of something on the current day.

new today

Simple and direct way of stating that something is being experienced or encountered on this day.

never happened before today

Implies that an action or event didn't exist, until now, on this day.

FAQs

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

You can use "first time today" to indicate that something is happening for the initial occasion on the current day. For example, "This is the "first time today" that I've had a chance to relax."

What are some alternatives to saying "first time today"?

Consider using alternatives such as "debuted today", "today's inaugural", or "happening today for the first time", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "first time ever today"?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "first time ever today" can be redundant. The phrase "first time today" already implies that it has never happened before on this day. Using "ever" may add emphasis but isn't necessary.

What's the difference between "first time today" and "first time this week"?

"First time today" specifies that something is happening for the first occasion on the current day, whereas "first time this week" indicates the first occasion within the current week. The choice depends on the timeframe you want to emphasize.