in the first row

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the first row" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the position of something in a series or arrangement, typically in a row of seats or objects. Example: "I was lucky to get tickets to the concert and was seated in the first row, right in front of the stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The number of PPIs from each source is shown in the first row in Table 6.

Bioinformatics

Fiona was in the first row, untroubled.

The New Yorker

There I was, after all, in the first row.

The New York Times - Travel

The woodwinds were placed in the first row of instruments.

The New York Times - Arts

In the first row, I could hear his ragged breathing.

The New York Times

Linda Wells explained from her seat in the first row.

The New York Times

A girl in the first row was tapping her foot on the floor.

The New Yorker

During Kentucky's victory against Wake Forest, Judd sat in the first row behind the Wildcats bench.

The New York Times

This is the bad part about sitting in the first row.

The New York Times - Arts

During most games, Mullins sat in his wheelchair in the first row behind the Mississippi bench.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Three women sat side-by-side in the first row of coach.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the first row" to clearly indicate a physical position or order at the very beginning of something, whether it's seats, data, or a sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "in the first row" when referring to abstract concepts or metaphorical positions. Instead, opt for phrases like "of primary importance" or "initially" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the first row" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates a specific location or order, denoting something situated at the very beginning or front, as shown in Ludwig's examples where people are seated or data is presented.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the first row" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a specific location or order at the very beginning. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, it is essential to avoid misusing the phrase for abstract concepts and instead opt for more appropriate alternatives. Use this guide to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the front

This is a more general term indicating a leading position.

in the front rank

Implies a military or hierarchical context of being in the leading position.

at the head of the line

Specifically refers to being first in a queue or line.

in the foremost position

More formal, emphasizing prominence and leadership.

in the lead

Indicates being ahead of others, often in a competition or race.

at the vanguard

Suggests being at the forefront of a movement or trend.

at the cutting edge

Implies being in the most advanced or innovative position.

in the primary spot

Highlights the importance and priority of the position.

at the top

General term for being in the highest or most prominent position.

in the initial position

Focuses on being at the start or beginning.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the first row" to describe a position at the front, such as "She was sitting in the first row at the concert", or to describe the initial item in a series, such as "The data for 2024 is listed in the first row of the table".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "at the front", "in the front rank", or "at the head of the line".

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

While "on the first row" might be used informally, "in the first row" is generally considered the more grammatically correct and widely accepted phrasing.

When should I avoid using "in the first row"?

Avoid using "in the first row" when describing abstract concepts or non-physical positions. In those cases, consider using phrases like "initially" or "primarily".