first to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first to do" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that someone was the initial person to perform a specific action or achieve something. Example: "She was the first to do the experiment successfully." Alternative expressions include "the first one to" and "the pioneer in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The first to do so wins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They weren't the first to do so.

Independent

"Just the first to do it legally".

The New York Times

TV advertising, first to do political advertising.

The Guardian

Would he be the first to do this?

The New Yorker

First to do this was none other than Lao Lan.

The New Yorker

France and Germany were among the first to do this.

The Economist

But Ridley was the first to do it".

Independent

They are not the first to do so, of course.

Independent

His challenge was more modest: first, to do no harm.

The Economist

As oldest, Tiberius was the first to do so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first to do" to highlight achievements and innovations, particularly when emphasizing the unique contribution of an individual or entity.

Common error

Carefully verify historical records or claims before declaring someone or something as the "first to do" a particular action. Inaccurate attributions can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first to do" functions primarily as a modifier, typically describing a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the subject was the initial entity to perform a specific action. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first to do" is a versatile phrase used to denote pioneering actions and achievements. Ludwig's analysis, confirming its grammatical correctness and widespread use, shows that it effectively emphasizes novelty and initiative. While generally neutral in tone, it is crucial to ensure the accuracy of claims and provide clear context regarding the specific action being referenced. This is vital to avoid ambiguity and maintain credibility, as explained by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first one to accomplish

Focuses on the successful completion of a task or goal before anyone else.

the earliest to perform

Focuses on the temporal aspect of being the first.

pioneer in doing something

Emphasizes the innovative and groundbreaking nature of being the first.

setting the standard for

Implies that the action sets a benchmark for others to follow.

at the forefront of

Implies being in a leading or pioneering position.

leading the way in

Highlights the act of guiding or setting a precedent for others.

breaking ground by

Suggests an element of novelty and innovation.

original initiator of

Stresses the role of starting or instigating an action.

the inaugural actor in

Formal phrasing emphasizing the introductory nature of the action.

the person who started it all

Informal phrasing highlighting the inception of something.

FAQs

How can I use "first to do" in a sentence?

You can use "first to do" to describe someone or something that was the initial entity to perform a specific action. For instance, "She was the "first to do" it successfully", or "They were the "first to do" this in the industry".

What are some alternatives to "first to do"?

Alternatives to "first to do" include phrases like "pioneer in doing something", "leading the way in", or "original initiator of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what someone was "first to do"?

Yes, providing context is crucial. Saying someone was the "first to do" something without specifying what they did leaves the statement incomplete and potentially confusing. Clarity is key.

What's the difference between "first to do" and "the only one to do"?

"First to do" indicates priority in time, meaning someone initiated an action. "The only one to do" suggests exclusivity; no one else has accomplished that action. The former focuses on being initial, the latter on being unique.