in the first time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the first time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initial occurrence of something. For example, "It was the first time she had ever seen a giraffe, and she was in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the first time period, 1,068 I.V. F

The New York Times

It sucked me in the first time I read it, making me want to follow.

The Guardian - Travel

"It's like night and day from when we flew in the first time," Mr. Reed said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Anybody flies in the first time, maybe they can fly out.

The Guardian

When I entered the Bataclan, we found 78 bodies, when I went in the first time.

The New York Times

Myths narrate the sacred events that unfolded in the first time, the epoch of creative beginnings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

SHANDLING With Rip he came in the first time, and his agent said he wouldn't read.

The New York Times - Arts

Signing in the first time (or if you have forgotten your username and/or password) can have its challenges.

Harvard University

It was lying that did Martin in the first time of the four times Steinbrenner fired him.

The New York Times - Sports

When she'd called in the first time, she'd spoken quietly, dreamily, as if from far, far away.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The new app doesn't require any input at all, beyond your initial sign-in the first time you use it.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the first time" to clearly indicate the initial occurrence of an event, action, or experience to avoid ambiguity. For example, "In the first time I visited Paris, I was captivated by its beauty."

Common error

While grammatically sound, "in the first time" can sometimes be replaced with shorter, more impactful alternatives like "initially" or "at first" depending on the context. Evaluate if the longer phrase adds necessary emphasis or clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the first time" typically functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates when something initially occurs, offering context about the timing of an event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the first time" serves to specify an initial experience or occurrence across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. While versatile, simpler alternatives like "initially" or "at first" might be more concise in certain contexts. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science, and can be useful in academic, scientific, and general communication to establish chronology or emphasize novelty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first

A shorter, more direct way to express the initial state.

in the beginning

Emphasizes the start or origin of something.

for the first occasion

Stresses the uniqueness of the initial event.

the first instance

Highlights a specific case or occurrence.

initially

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb indicating the beginning.

at the outset

Focuses on the very beginning of an event or process.

on the first try

Specifically refers to the first attempt at something.

to begin with

Used to introduce the first point in a series.

the inaugural time

Adds a formal tone, suitable for significant events.

upon its debut

Emphasizes the initial appearance or introduction.

FAQs

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

Use "in the first time" to describe an initial experience or occurrence, for example, "In the first time they met, they argued intensely".

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

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "initially", "at first", or "in the beginning".

Is there a difference between "at first" and "in the first time"?

"At first" is generally shorter and more direct. "In the first time" often emphasizes the specific instance of the first occurrence.

Can I use "in the first time" to describe multiple events?

It's generally used for a singular, initial event. For multiple early events, consider phrases like "initially" or "in the early stages".