for first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for first" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to "first" as an adjective. For example, "This is my first time at this place, so I'm a bit nervous."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Manning is 10 for 15 for 152.

The New York Times

£4 for 4, sainsburys.co.uk 10.

Independent

For sale for £2.7m.

Independent

For 360 and PS3.

The New York Times - Tech

"It counted for 3.

The New York Times - Sports

For 40 whole minutes.

The New York Times

All for 4 lira.

The New York Times - Travel

for 6 terms.

The New Yorker

For 4 yrs.

The New Yorker

Leave for 15 minutes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For 15 year olds.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for first" sparingly; ensure the context clearly indicates that something is being done as a preliminary step. Consider alternatives like "firstly" or "to begin with" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "for first" when simply indicating a primary attribute. For instance, instead of saying "Consider it for first impression", use "Consider it for a good first impression".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for first" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the initial purpose or reason for an action. While Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness, its uncommon usage suggests careful consideration of context.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct, the phrase "for first" is rarely used in contemporary English. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity, but the absence of examples across varied authoritative sources suggests caution in its usage. Alternatives such as "initially", "firstly", or "to begin with" offer greater clarity and are more commonly accepted in both formal and informal contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the initial nature of an action or consideration to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to start

A simple and direct synonym indicating the commencement of an activity.

firstly

Provides a direct synonym indicating the first item in a sequence of points.

initially

Focuses on the beginning or start, replacing "for first" with a more formal adverb.

at the beginning

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the start, offering a more descriptive alternative.

as a first step

Focuses on the action of beginning a process or procedure.

to begin with

Suggests a starting point in a discussion or process, slightly more conversational.

primarily

Indicates the main or most important aspect initially.

in the first place

Highlights the initial reason or consideration, suitable for explanations.

in the early stages

Highlights the beginning phase of a process or project, focusing on development.

at first glance

Emphasizes an initial impression or assessment, different in meaning but related to "first".

FAQs

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

While grammatically sound, "for first" is not a commonly used phrase. It is best used when emphasizing that something is being considered or done as an initial step. For instance, "We're testing this software for first impressions."

What are some alternatives to saying "for first"?

You can use alternatives like "initially", "firstly", or "to begin with" depending on the context.

Is "for first" grammatically correct?

Yes, "for first" is grammatically correct, but it is not a very common or idiomatic phrase. Consider using more common alternatives for better clarity.

When should I avoid using "for first"?

Avoid using "for first" when you intend to simply describe something as being 'first' in a series. Instead, use "first" as an adjective directly. For example, use "for a first attempt" instead of "for first attempt".