in first place

USAGE SUMMARY

"in first place" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when referring to someone or something that is ranked first within a series or competition. For example, "He placed in first place in the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cantonese remains in first place.

The New York Times

She finished — in first place.

The New York Times - Sports

Now he is in first place.

The Economist

In first place was the Beatles' "Revolver".

The New York Times

Mr. Fingers is in first place.

The New York Times

Not coincidentally, they are in first place.

The New York Times - Sports

We want to be in first place.

The New York Times

Twitter, alarmingly, is currently in first place.

The New Yorker

The Lions are in first place.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, Chloé was in first place.

The New Yorker

We're in first place for now.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in first place" to clearly denote the top ranking in a competition, list, or hierarchy. Ensure the context provides a clear reference for what is being ranked.

Common error

Avoid using "in first place" when referring to an initial attempt or sequence. Use "first" or "initially" instead to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in first place" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which something is positioned or ranked. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Sports

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Huffington Post

5%

Forbes

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in first place" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to denote the top ranking or position in a competition or hierarchy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Analysis of various sources shows that the phrase is most frequently used in news and media, as well as sports contexts. While alternatives such as "number one" or "leading the pack" exist, "in first place" remains a straightforward and widely understood expression. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the ranking system to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

number one

A direct and simple synonym for being first.

first place position

A more descriptive variation of the original phrase.

in the lead

A more general way to express being ahead.

at the top

Indicates being in the highest position or rank.

coming in first

Focuses on the action of achieving the first position.

top of the leaderboard

Specifically relates to competitive rankings, such as in sports or gaming.

in the top spot

Indicates occupying the highest or most desirable position.

leading the pack

Emphasizes the act of being ahead of others.

taking the gold

Refers to winning first place, often in a competition.

at the forefront

Highlights being in a leading or prominent position.

FAQs

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

Use "in first place" to indicate the top position in a ranking. For example, "Our team finished "in first place" at the competition".

What are some alternatives to saying "in first place"?

You can use alternatives such as "number one", "top of the leaderboard", or "leading the pack" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "placed in first place"?

While "placed in first place" isn't grammatically incorrect, it can be seen as slightly redundant. Simply saying "placed first" or "finished "in first place"" is often more concise.

What's the difference between "in first place" and "firstly"?

"In first place" indicates a top ranking, while "firstly" is used to introduce the first point in a sequence. For example, "In first place, we have the team from France. Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone for participating".