for the first time in the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the first time in the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is happening or being experienced for the first time in a specific context or situation. Example: "For the first time in the history of our company, we are launching a product that combines sustainability with cutting-edge technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He voted for the first time in the European elections.

The Guardian - Books

For the first time in the conversation, Srini laughed.

The New Yorker

Federer breaks for the first time in the match.

The Guardian - Sport

Nadal breaks for the first time in the match.

The Guardian - Sport

For the first time in the match, he breaks.

The Guardian - Sport

Black Mountain I just heard them today for the first time in the car.

The New York Times - Arts

"For the first time in the last year-and-a-half [Murugan is] feeling happy.

The Guardian - Books

(Sixty-nine of the machines were used for the first time in the September primary election).

The New York Times

Not for the first time in the financial crisis, women have left men standing.

The Guardian

That language was included in 2011 for the first time in the census.

The Guardian

And for the first time in the race, he emphasized his family ties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the first time in the" to highlight a novel occurrence or significant change within a defined context. For example, "For the first time in the company's history, profits exceeded expectations."

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary adverbs that dilute the impact of the phrase. For example, instead of saying "For absolutely the first time in the history..." just use "For the first time in the history..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the first time in the" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating when something is happening. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly correct and usable in written English. It typically introduces a novel or unprecedented event within a specific timeframe or context, as demonstrated by various Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for the first time in the" is a grammatically sound and versatile adverbial phrase used to underscore the novelty of an event within a specified context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It's commonly found in news, sports reporting, and formal business communications, serving to emphasize the unprecedented nature of a situation. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clearly defined and avoid redundant qualifiers to maintain clarity and impact. Its high frequency and authoritative sources highlight its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting for the first time in

Highlights the beginning of an activity or process.

making its debut in

Focuses on the initial appearance or introduction of something.

appearing initially in

Emphasizes the first instance of something becoming visible or known.

unveiling for the first time in

Refers to the act of revealing or making something public for the first time.

launching for the first time in

Highlights the initiation or start of a new product, service, or venture.

being introduced in

Focuses on the act of formally presenting something for the first time.

pioneering in

Emphasizes being the first to develop or use something.

breaking ground in

Suggests initiating something completely new or innovative.

originally in

Indicates the initial state or origin of something within a specific timeframe.

inaugurating in

Formal way of indicating the start of something, often a position or policy.

FAQs

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

Use "for the first time in the" to indicate something is happening or being experienced initially within a specific context. For example, "For the first time in the school's history, the debate team won the national championship."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "making its debut in", "launching for the first time in", or "appearing initially in", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "for the first time in the"?

The phrase itself is grammatically correct. However, avoid using it when the 'first time' aspect is already implied or obvious from the context. Also, ensure that the context you're referencing is clearly defined.

What's the difference between "for the first time in the" and "initially"?

"For the first time in the" emphasizes a specific, often notable, occurrence within a defined timeframe or context. "Initially", on the other hand, simply refers to the beginning or start of something without necessarily highlighting its uniqueness or historical significance in that particular context.