in a first

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a first" is correct and is often used in written English.
This phrase is often used to introduce a topic or idea, such as "In a first for the company, the board of directors has decided to offer a bonus to all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's when having Naloxone in a first aid kit matters.

The New York Times

Gore turned in a first draft in July of 1991.

The New Yorker

The Yankees had not allowed nine runs in a first inning since 1979, and the White Sox had not scored nine in a first in 38 years.

The New York Times - Sports

The Yankees had not allowed nine in a first inning since 1979 and the White Sox had not scored nine in a first in 38 years.

The New York Times

In a first part, soil-vegetation transfer was assessed.

Environmental Pollution

The paper in a first step introduces the C&CM.

Procedia Engineering

The concept will be realized in a first demonstration plant.

Energy Procedia

This phenomenon is replicated in a first study.

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

he wins the Junior Olympics in a first-round knockout.

The New Yorker

In a first-degree burn, only the epidermis is affected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a first-floor room there are three mannequins.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a first", consider providing context to underscore the significance of the event or action. Explaining why it's the first time adds weight to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "in a first" merely as a filler. Ensure the situation genuinely warrants emphasis on its initial occurrence. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a first" primarily functions as an introductory element, setting the stage for something unprecedented. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used in various written contexts. It highlights the novelty or uniqueness of an event, action, or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a first" is a versatile and frequently used expression that highlights the novelty or unprecedented nature of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, ranging from scientific reports to news articles. While it's generally considered neutral in register, ensure you provide sufficient context to emphasize the significance of the 'first' occurrence. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact, and consider alternatives like "for the first time" to add variety to your writing. Keep in mind that the phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, but can be effectively used in other areas as well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the first time

This alternative directly states that something is happening for the first time, maintaining a high degree of semantic equivalence.

as a first

Similar to "in a first", it emphasizes the initial instance but might imply a sequence or series.

inaugural

Refers to the beginning or first in a series, often used for events or ceremonies.

newly

Indicates something has just begun or appeared, emphasizing recentness rather than the first occurrence.

initial

Highlights the starting point or beginning stage of something.

at the outset

Focuses on the very beginning or start of an event or process.

originally

Indicates the state or manner of something at its origin or inception.

to begin with

Signals the start of a discussion or sequence of actions.

primarily

While it refers to main purpose or intention, it also implies a starting point.

for starters

An informal way to introduce the first point or action in a series.

FAQs

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

Use "in a first" to introduce a situation or event that has never occurred before, such as "In a first, the company has decided to offer unlimited vacation time."

What are some alternatives to "in a first"?

You can use phrases like "for the first time", "as a first", or "initially" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "on a first" instead of "in a first"?

The correct phrase is "in a first". "On a first" is not a standard English construction and should be avoided.

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

Both phrases indicate something happening for the first time, but "in a first" often emphasizes the novelty or uniqueness of the event, while "for the first time" simply states that it's the first occurrence.