firsthand

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'firsthand' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the word 'firsthand' to describe something that you experienced or observed directly. For example: "I got a firsthand look at the effects of climate change during my visit to the arctic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the Socceroos take on South Korea in the final of the Asian Cup on Saturday, they will have firsthand knowledge of who and what they are about to face.

The Guardian - Sport

The shadow cabinet office minister, who is launching a Justice for the Coalfields campaign, said: "For those of us who lived through the strike and who saw the events and impact they had firsthand, what was revealed in the cabinet papers may not come as a surprise.

The Guardian

It's not hugely surprising that many male commenters may not have witnessed sexism or discrimination firsthand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A starburst shrapnel scar across her hand is a reminder of the first time she witnessed the horror firsthand.

The Guardian

However, these foolish examples should not detract from the advantages of providing firsthand assistance to vulnerable populations in whatever capacity possible.

The Guardian

Working around politics for more than a decade I saw it firsthand: gob-smacking leadership bastardry; nervous breakdowns; suicide; venality, greed and treachery; filthy character assassination; crushing loneliness and depression.

The Guardian - Books

A firsthand example of that attitude was captured in the video that came to dominate Mitt Romney's doomed presidential campaign: the moment when Romney described the 47% of Americans who would vote to re-elect President Barack Obama "no matter what" because "they believe they are victims" and that the government has a responsibility to care for them.

The Guardian - Money

He had awoken early in the morning and witnessed firsthand the birth of a calf.

The Guardian - Books

Then there is footage of Thatcher, determined to smash the trade unions (a point made by a new award-winning documentary, Owen Gower's Still the Enemy Within, which describes the firsthand experience of those who lived through the strike).

The Guardian - Film

To conduct the study, investigators reviewed police records, training policies and internal memos, interviewed police officers and community members, and observed police work firsthand.

The Guardian

Although the media are doing their best to keep the public informed of what is happening in their area, your perception of events is vastly different when witnessing firsthand your local community being destroyed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "firsthand", make sure it accurately reflects the directness of the experience. If there was any filtering or interpretation involved, consider using a more nuanced term.

Common error

Avoid claiming "firsthand" knowledge when your information is actually derived from someone else's account. Saying "I heard "firsthand" from John" is contradictory; John's account is firsthand, but your knowledge of it is secondhand.

Linguistic Context

Firsthand" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate direct, personal experience or knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "firsthand" is an adjective denoting direct, personal experience or knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and widely applicable, especially in news, encyclopedic and scientific contexts. It is grammatically sound and semantically related to phrases like "direct experience" or "personal observation". When using "firsthand", ensure it accurately reflects the directness of the experience, and avoid misattributing secondhand information. It's a versatile term best suited for neutral to formal registers, making it an invaluable asset for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct experience

Focuses on the experience itself rather than the knowledge gained.

personal observation

Emphasizes the act of observing something directly.

eyewitness account

Specifically refers to a description from someone who saw an event.

from personal knowledge

Highlights that the knowledge comes directly from the individual.

on the ground

Implies being present at a location where something is happening.

direct contact

Focuses on direct interaction or exposure.

lived through

Emphasizes the experience of enduring or surviving an event.

face to face

Highlights a direct encounter or confrontation.

practical experience

Implies knowledge gained from doing something rather than just learning about it.

hands-on experience

Highlights active involvement and direct manipulation.

FAQs

How can I use "firsthand" in a sentence?

You can use "firsthand" to describe direct experience or knowledge, such as "I gained "firsthand" experience in the field" or "She provided a "firsthand" account of the events".

What's the difference between "firsthand" and "secondhand"?

"Firsthand" refers to direct, personal experience, while "secondhand" refers to information or experience obtained indirectly from others.

What are some alternatives to using the word "firsthand"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "direct experience", "personal observation", or "eyewitness account".

Is it correct to say 'I have "firsthand"ly seen it'?

No, it's incorrect. "Firsthand" is an adjective and should be used to modify a noun, not a verb. You can say 'I saw it "firsthand"' or 'I have "firsthand" experience of it'.