first-hand information

USAGE SUMMARY

'first-hand information' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to information that a person has obtained directly from a primary source, as opposed to information that has been obtained from second-hand sources. For example, "I heard about the new policy from my coworker who had first-hand information about the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have frustratingly little first-hand information.

The Guardian - Music

"It's fascinating to have this first-hand information," he said.

The New York Times

So it is human intelligence -- first-hand information from American spies and foreign agents -- that matters.

The New York Times

First-hand information, however, can hardly account for the poem's sudden success.

The Guardian - Books

Arriving in London with rare, first-hand information from Gallipoli, Keith was a man in demand.

Independent

López said he had first-hand information from Mourinho's closest ally.

The New York Times - Sports

The press must rely on officially guided visits to glean first-hand information.

The Economist

He corresponded with Martin Luther King and visited Montgomery during March 1956 to gain first-hand information about the boycott.

Stanford University

In each occasion, the public gained valuable first-hand information how a health issue could be addressed.

Harvard University

Frederick P. Hitz, who served as C.I.A. inspector general from 1990 to 1998, said he had no first-hand information about current conflicts inside the agency.

The New York Times

You can get all the scouting reports you want, but it's really first-hand information you rely on more than anything else".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the reliability or authenticity of information, use "first-hand information" to highlight that it comes directly from the source, without intermediaries or potential distortions.

Common error

Avoid using "first-hand information" when the information is actually derived from secondary sources. Ensure the information is directly experienced or observed to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first-hand information" functions as a noun phrase, where 'first-hand' acts as an adjective modifying 'information'. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates information directly obtained from a primary source.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first-hand information" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote information directly obtained from an original source or personal experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is clear and its usage is widespread. It's most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the information truly originates from a direct source to maintain credibility. Be mindful of the potential for bias even with "first-hand information" and consider alternatives like "direct knowledge" or "personal experience" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct knowledge

Emphasizes the immediacy and lack of intermediaries in acquiring the knowledge.

personal experience

Highlights the experiential aspect of obtaining the information.

original data

Focuses on the information being the source material, not derived or interpreted.

primary source material

Indicates the information comes directly from the origin, unaltered.

eyewitness account

Specifically refers to information obtained by seeing an event occur.

on-site intelligence

Suggests information gathered directly at a specific location.

experiential insight

Highlights the depth of understanding gained through direct experience.

hands-on knowledge

Implies practical skills and understanding acquired through direct involvement.

ground-level intelligence

Indicates information gathered directly from those involved or affected.

insider's perspective

Emphasizes the unique viewpoint gained from being directly involved or present.

FAQs

How can I use "first-hand information" in a sentence?

You can use "first-hand information" to describe knowledge gained directly from an experience or source. For example, "The report relied on "first-hand information" gathered from interviews with witnesses."

What are some alternatives to "first-hand information"?

Alternatives include "direct knowledge", "personal experience", or "original data", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "first-hand information" and "second-hand information"?

"First-hand information" is obtained directly from a source or experience, while "second-hand information" is relayed through an intermediary. "First-hand information" is generally considered more reliable due to the lack of potential distortion.

Is "first-hand information" more reliable than other sources?

While not always the case, "first-hand information" often offers a more direct and potentially unbiased perspective compared to information that has been filtered through multiple sources. However, it's crucial to consider the observer's biases and limitations.