in the first paragraph

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the first paragraph" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the first paragraph in a document. For example: "In the first paragraph, the author discusses the implications of the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the first paragraph.

The Guardian - Opinion

A main focus in the first paragraph?

The New York Times

It comes in the first paragraph.

The New York Times - Books

And that's just in the first paragraph.

The New Yorker

THE main point at issue occurs in the first paragraph.

Nature

Any doctors," he says in the first paragraph.

The Guardian - Books

That's all in the first paragraph of the piece.

The Guardian

An earlier version of this article misstated the number of the hatchery in the first paragraph.

The New York Times

An earlier version of this article transposed the times in the first paragraph.

The New York Times - Arts

Numerical data in the first paragraph is from a recent report by NeuroInsights, LLC.

MIT Technology Review

An earlier version referred to centripetal force in the first paragraph when centrifugal force was meant.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to information presented at the beginning of a document, use "in the first paragraph" to clearly guide the reader to the relevant section. This is especially useful in academic or professional writing for clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "in the first paragraph" repeatedly within a short span of text. Vary your language by using alternatives like "in the opening section" or "at the beginning" to maintain reader engagement and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the first paragraph" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the location of specific information within a text. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. For example, "The main point is discussed in the first paragraph."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

27%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the first paragraph" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the introductory section of a text. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Its primary function is to direct the reader to specific information located at the beginning of a document, offering clarity and emphasis. While suitable for various contexts, from news articles to academic papers, avoiding overuse and considering alternatives like "in the opening paragraph" can enhance writing quality. This phrase is frequently used in News & Media and Scientific contexts, ensuring readers can easily navigate and understand key information presented at the outset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the very first paragraph

Adds emphasis to the fact that it is the first paragraph.

in the opening paragraph

Replaces 'first' with 'opening', maintaining the same meaning.

in the introductory paragraph

Emphasizes the function of the paragraph as an introduction.

within the initial paragraph

Substitutes 'first' with 'initial', adding a slightly more formal tone.

in the lead paragraph

Uses 'lead' to specify the introductory nature, common in journalism.

at the beginning of the paragraph

Indicates the start of the paragraph instead of directly referencing it.

in the top paragraph

A more informal way to refer to the first paragraph.

in the paragraph at the start

More descriptive, specifying the paragraph's position as the start of the text.

as stated in the first paragraph

Explicitly refers to information previously mentioned in the first paragraph.

according to the first paragraph

Attributes information directly to the first paragraph as a source.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the first paragraph" to refer to a specific piece of information located at the beginning of a text. For example, "In the first paragraph, the author introduces the main argument."

What are some alternatives to "in the first paragraph"?

You can use alternatives such as "in the opening paragraph", "within the initial paragraph", or "in the lead paragraph" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to always specify "in the first paragraph"?

No, it's not always necessary. If the context makes it clear that you are referring to the beginning of the text, you can simply say "at the beginning" or "initially". Specifying "in the first paragraph" is helpful when precision is needed.

How does the formality of a text affect the use of "in the first paragraph"?

The phrase "in the first paragraph" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, consider using "within the initial paragraph" to convey a more sophisticated tone.