for the first time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the first time" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation or experience that is taking place for the very first time. For example, "I'm going to Europe for the first time this summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the second time.

The New York Times

"Not for the first time".

The New Yorker

He shaved for the first time.

The New Yorker

For the first time, the W.H.O.

The New Yorker

Not for the first time, she laughs.

Independent

Maybe for the first time ever.

The New York Times

For the first time, a thought flickers.

The New York Times

Women boxed for the first time.

The New York Times

For the first time since Jan.

The New York Times - Sports

East for the first time since 2007.

The New York Times - Sports

She knew, for the first time, contentment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for the first time", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is new or different about the situation. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "for the first time" when the event has occurred previously, even if it's been a long time. Ensure that the event is genuinely a new occurrence to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the first time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when something occurs initially. As supported by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable part of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for the first time" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that signifies the initial occurrence of an event or experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it also appears in scientific, academic, and encyclopedia sources. When using "for the first time", ensure the event is genuinely novel to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "initially" or "in the beginning" for varied expression. It is advisable to ensure that the scope and context are aligned for maximum accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the beginning

Offers a simple and direct way to refer to the initial phase.

initially

Highlights the very beginning stage of an event or process.

as a starting point

Highlights the beginning as a base for future activities.

for the inaugural occasion

Replaces "first time" with a more formal and celebratory tone.

at the dawn of

Emphasizes the start of a new era or period.

at the outset

Focuses on the beginning or starting point of an event or activity.

as a debut

Implies a formal presentation or introduction to the public.

in its infancy

Suggests that something is in the early stages of development or existence.

on its premiere

Highlights the first official showing or performance.

at ground zero

Emphasizes starting from scratch or the very beginning.

FAQs

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

Use "for the first time" to indicate that something is happening or being experienced initially. For example, "I saw snow "for the first time" last winter."

What are some alternatives to using "for the first time"?

You can use alternatives such as "initially", "at the outset", or "in the beginning" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "for the first time" and "for the very first time"?

While both phrases are similar, "for the very first time" adds extra emphasis to the novelty of the event or experience. Both are grammatically correct, but the latter is more emphatic.

When should I avoid using the phrase "for the first time"?

Avoid using "for the first time" if the event or action has occurred before. Using it inaccurately can create confusion or misrepresent the situation.