first try

USAGE SUMMARY

"first try" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe an attempt to do something, as in this example sentence: "I put together the jigsaw puzzle on my first try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second try, 11 seconds.

The New York Times

"First, try to do a hundred pushups.

The New Yorker

You should first try to save yourself.

The Guardian - Travel

"First Try" has now been seen nearly two million times.

The New Yorker

First, try to be a writer-director.

Huffington Post

First, try the tried-and-true plunger.

Huffington Post

First, try to ignore the hysteria.

Huffington Post

Did you first try that but not succeed?

eLife

I always had this rule: First try to survive.

BMC Health Services Research

First try deep breathing.

WikiHow

First, try exfoliating.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first try" to emphasize the immediacy and initial nature of an attempt, which can add a sense of surprise or achievement if successful.

Common error

Avoid using "first try" when referring to actions that are part of a continuous process. It's more suitable for discrete events with a clear beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first try" functions as an adverbial phrase or adjectival phrase, depending on context, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate that something was done or achieved on the initial attempt. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

24%

News & Media

63%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first try" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, indicating successful completion on the initial attempt. It fits comfortably in neutral to informal settings, as supported by Ludwig AI and evidenced by its prevalence in news, media and wiki sources. While it may not be appropriate for highly formal or scientific writing, it effectively conveys ease, surprise, or satisfaction. Remember, as the examples demonstrate, using "first try" adds a touch of realism and impact to your descriptions. So next time you want to express that you were successful at something during your initial attempt, use "first try".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first attempt

Simple synonym, offering a direct and clear alternative.

initial attempt

Focuses on the act of beginning, emphasizing the start of an endeavor.

first go

Informal and colloquial, suitable for casual contexts.

trial run

Highlights the experimental nature of the attempt.

preliminary attempt

Highlights the attempt as a step towards a larger goal.

debut effort

Highlights the newness and potential inexperience associated with the attempt.

exploratory attempt

Emphasizes the investigative or searching nature of the first action.

inaugural effort

Emphasizes the formal or official nature of the first attempt.

maiden voyage

More metaphorical, suggesting a new beginning with potential for success or failure.

opening gambit

Suggests a strategic first move in a series of actions.

FAQs

How can I use "first try" in a sentence?

You can use "first try" to describe successfully completing something on the initial attempt, as in "I passed the test on my "first try"".

What can I say instead of "first try"?

You can use alternatives like "initial attempt", "first attempt", or "debut effort" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "at first try" instead of "first try"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "at "first try"" is less common and might sound slightly awkward compared to the more direct "first try".

What's the difference between "first try" and "first attempt"?

The phrases ""first try"" and "first attempt" are largely interchangeable. "First attempt" may sound slightly more formal, while "first try" is more colloquial.