it is the first time

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is the first time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is happening for the first time. Example: She was nervous because it was the first time she was giving a speech in front of a large audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is the first time that the method for bilastine and its impurities is proposed.

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis

Yeah, I think it is the first time.

Independent

It is the first time this has ever happened.

The New Yorker

"It is the first time we have met him".

The New York Times - Sports

"It is the first time we saw that.

Independent

It is the first time any girl ever wanted you.

The New Yorker

"It is the first time that we are doing this".

The New York Times

It is the first time this has been legally permitted.

The Guardian

It is the first time emergency care has been withdrawn.

The Guardian

It is the first time for the club.

The Guardian - Sport

It is the first time I have bought a bicycle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is the first time", ensure the subsequent clause accurately reflects the novelty of the situation. Avoid stating something as a first if there's evidence to the contrary.

Common error

Avoid using "it is the first time" when historical records or known events contradict the statement. Double-check your facts to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is the first time" functions as an introductory clause to highlight the novelty or uniqueness of a situation or event. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and widely used to emphasize that something is happening for the first time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is the first time" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to highlight the novelty or uniqueness of an event. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is indeed correct and suitable for expressing initial occurrences. As shown in various examples across news media, scientific literature, academic papers, and formal communications, it serves to emphasize the groundbreaking or unprecedented nature of a situation. When employing this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the novelty being described to maintain clarity and credibility. Common errors involve misattributing an event as a “first” when evidence suggests otherwise. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, you can effectively integrate "it is the first time" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is a first

Emphasizes the novelty of the event in a more concise way.

it's never happened before

Directly states the absence of previous occurrences.

this marks the first instance

Offers a more formal and emphatic declaration of the inaugural occurrence.

this is a groundbreaking

Indicates innovation and pioneering aspect of the occurrence.

it's unprecedented

Highlights the lack of prior occurrences, underlining its originality.

it's the inaugural

Focuses on the beginning or launch of something, typically an event or series.

this is the debut

Implies an introduction or a beginning performance.

it's the opening

Highlights the start or commencement of something.

a new era begins

Suggests a significant change and the commencement of a different period.

it's the dawn of

Evokes the beginning or start of a new phase or development.

FAQs

How do I use "it is the first time" in a sentence?

You can use "it is the first time" to introduce a novel situation or event. For example, "It is the first time I have ever seen snow."

What can I say instead of "it is the first time"?

You can use alternatives like "this is a first", "never before", or "unprecedented" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it was the first time"?

Yes, "it was the first time" is correct when referring to a past event that occurred for the first time. For example, "It was the first time she had ever flown in an airplane."

What is the difference between "it is the first time" and "this is the first time"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have the same meaning. The choice between "it is the first time" and "this is the first time" often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.