for the first time ever

USAGE SUMMARY

"for the first time ever" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the first time something has happened or been done. For example, "This year, for the first time ever, the parade will be held virtually."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe for the first time ever.

The New York Times

For the first time ever, I had her complete attention.

The New Yorker

I was on time for the first time ever".

The New York Times

For the first time ever, I started watching reality television.

The New York Times

And for the first time ever, I felt sad.

The New York Times

He relented perhaps for the first time ever.

The Guardian

He has an asthmatic condition for the first time ever.

The New York Times

For the first time ever I think I should.

The Guardian - Music

For the first time ever, I didn't feel the need.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Get access to healthcare for the first time ever.

The Guardian - Tech

"In this recession, for the first time ever, everything stopped.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for the first time ever", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is unprecedented. Ambiguity can weaken the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "for the first time ever" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Reserve it for truly significant and unprecedented events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the first time ever" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or event is occurring in an unprecedented manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for the first time ever" is a grammatically sound and widely used adverbial phrase that serves to emphasize the unprecedented nature of an event or action. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, signaling novelty and significance. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes what is unprecedented and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider related phrases such as "in an unprecedented manner" or "never before seen" for variety. Keep in mind that most of the world’s population lives in cities "for the first time ever".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in recent memory for the first time

Focuses on the novelty of event within the context of what's easy to recall.

in an unprecedented manner

Emphasizes the lack of prior instances or parallels.

a first of its kind

Highlights the uniqueness and originality of the subject.

in a groundbreaking move

Highlights the innovative or revolutionary nature of the event.

a novel occurrence

Focuses on the newness and unfamiliarity of the situation.

never before seen

Focuses on the visual or experiential novelty.

breaking new ground

Highlights the pioneering aspect of the event.

making history

Emphasizes the historical significance of the event.

a watershed moment

Emphasizes the transformative impact of the event.

at long last

Implies a sense of relief or anticipation fulfilled.

FAQs

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

Use "for the first time ever" to emphasize the unprecedented nature of an event. For example, "This year, "for the first time ever", the company reported record profits."

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

Alternatives include "in an unprecedented manner", "never before seen", or "a first of its kind", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "for the very first time ever"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "very" to "for the first time ever" can be redundant. The phrase already emphasizes the novelty, so "very" doesn't add significant meaning. It's often better to stick with ""for the first time ever"".

Can "for the first time ever" be used for ongoing situations?

No, ""for the first time ever"" is best used for specific, completed events or newly initiated actions. For ongoing situations, phrases like "in recent history" or "unprecedented in this era" might be more appropriate.