in the first question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the first question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific question that was asked earlier in a conversation or text. Example: "The answer to the problem can be found in the first question of the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Naming Goni, who is now deeply unpopular, in the first question ensures its approval.

The Economist

In the first question, ICM asked: "Should the UK remain a member of the EU?" 59% of respondents said yes.

The Guardian

In half the cases, we used 35 million in the first question; in the other half, we used 100 million.

Harvard Business Review

In the first question, the panel was asked whether it was fair that the BNP had hijacked Winston Churchill.

The Guardian

There was another broad hint in the first question he was asked, on the vexed issue of immigration.

The Guardian

When the last question is reached, clicking the NextButton should result in the first question once again appearing in the QuestionLabel.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

9.05am GMT Clegg hosts his Call Clegg phone-in The first question is about the debate.

The Guardian

9.07am GMT Boris Johnson's LBC phone-in The first question is about trade.

The Guardian

Although 52percentt said in response to the first question that Sessions lied, only 34percentt said in response to the second question that he did something illegal.

The Washington Post

That is the first of two important points in response to the first question.

SEP

Although she received little help, she has succeeded in answering the first question.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the first question" to clearly indicate the starting point of a discussion, especially when analyzing responses or providing explanations related to a series of questions.

Common error

Avoid using "in the first question" when you actually want to emphasize the most important question, not necessarily the one that appears first. Consider rephrasing to highlight significance rather than sequence if that's your intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the first question" primarily functions as an adjunct or adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause by providing information about when or where something occurs in relation to a series of questions. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it's used to specify which question is being referenced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

44%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the first question" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase used to pinpoint the initial query in a sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is best used for clarity and precision, especially in formal contexts such as academic research, news reporting, and surveys. While versatile, it's important to ensure that its use aligns with the intended emphasis – sequence rather than inherent importance. Related phrases include "initially asked" and "in the opening query", but "in the first question" generally offers the most direct and unambiguous reference to the opening query. This guide provides insights into its correct usage, common pitfalls, and semantically related alternatives, facilitating more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the first query

Simplifies the phrase by removing 'in the'.

in the lead question

Synonymous and directly interchangeable.

in the primary question

Replaces 'first' with 'primary', which keeps the meaning but is slightly different.

in the opening query

Replaces "first" with "opening," maintaining the meaning but with slightly different wording.

in the initial inquiry

Uses "inquiry" as a synonym for "question".

initially in the question

Switches the position of "initially", subtly altering the emphasis.

initially asked

Focuses on the act of asking at the beginning, rather than the specific position in a sequence.

at the start of the questioning

Emphasizes the commencement of a series of questions.

to begin with

Indicates the initial point, omitting the reference to "question" specifically.

as a starting point

Focuses on the starting point but is more general than referencing a specific question.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the first question" to refer back to a question that was asked earlier in a survey, interview, or discussion. For example, "In the first question, we asked participants about their age and gender."

What's a more concise way to say "in the first question"?

Alternatives include "initially asked" or "the first query". However, "in the first question" is generally clear and widely understood.

When is it inappropriate to use "in the first question"?

Avoid using it if the order of questions isn't relevant or if you're trying to emphasize the importance of a question rather than its position. In such cases, consider phrases like "the key question" or "the most important question".

What phrases are similar to "in the first question"?

Synonymous phrases include "in the opening query" or "at the beginning of the survey". Choose the phrasing that best fits the specific context and your desired level of formality.