it was first recorded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was first recorded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initial documentation or mention of an event, fact, or phenomenon in historical or research contexts. Example: "The song was first recorded in 1920, marking the beginning of its popularity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

It was first recorded in 1389.

The New York Times

It was first recorded as "Roll It Gal" by the soca singer Alison Hinds in 2005.

The New York Times

By the time it was first recorded, for Decca in 1966, conducted by the composer, the Rolling Stones were playing in the studio next door.

The Guardian - Music

The word tattoo itself was introduced into English and other European languages from Tahiti, where it was first recorded by James Cook's expedition in 1769.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was first recorded by the 19th-century novelist and art critic Stendhal in Florence, and so scientists are to monitor the vital signs of tourists in Florence after they see works of art.

The Guardian - Arts

It was first recorded in print by the novelist James T. Farrell in his 1936 "Studs Lonigan": "Studs kept futzing around until Helen Shire came out with her soccer ball".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

It is first recorded in about 1739 and was used by E Bulwer-Lytton in his book Athens published in 1837, which she could well have read.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is first recorded in 1516 in the journal of the Portuguese explorer Duarte Barbosa.

Wikipedia

It is first recorded in local records as Osborne Street in 1877, and given its present name in 1882.

Wikipedia

I met him when it was first being recorded in English.

Huffington Post

During the scan the behavior of each individual when it was first spotted was recorded.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was first recorded", ensure you provide context regarding what "it" refers to. Clearly specify the subject to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The blues song 'Cross Road Blues' was first recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936."

Common error

Avoid using "it was first recorded" when referring to ongoing or continuous processes. This phrase implies a singular, past event. Instead, use present tense or present perfect tense where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was first recorded" serves as a declarative statement. It introduces information regarding the initial documentation or recording of a specific event, item, or concept. Ludwig's examples confirm its use across various disciplines to establish historical context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

29%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was first recorded" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the initial documentation or recording of an event, concept, or item. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is largely declarative, aimed at establishing a historical or chronological reference point. Predominantly found in neutral to formal contexts like news, encyclopedias and scientific publications, using the phrase accurately requires careful attention to tense and subject specificity. Alternatives like "it was initially documented" or "it was originally registered" can provide nuanced variations while preserving the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was initially documented

Focuses on the act of documenting rather than recording, implying a formal written record.

it was originally registered

Emphasizes the act of official registration, suitable for events or items that require formal recording.

it was first chronicled

Suggests a detailed and continuous record over time, fitting for historical accounts.

it was initially noted

Highlights the act of making an early observation or recognition.

the first instance was documented

Rephrases to emphasize the 'instance' and then the action of 'documenting'.

the record of it began

Highlights the start of a record rather than the specific first recording.

it originates from

Changes the focus to the origin or source of something, implying the beginning of its known existence.

the earliest account of it is

Refers to an account, often historical or descriptive, as the earliest source.

it can be traced back to

Implies tracing the history or origins of something to a specific point.

its origins are found in

Similar to 'it originates from' but emphasizes the plural 'origins'.

FAQs

How do I use "it was first recorded" in a sentence?

Use "it was first recorded" to indicate when something was initially documented or noted. For example: "The symptom was first recorded in 1888."

What can I say instead of "it was first recorded"?

You can use alternatives like "it was initially documented", "it was originally registered", or "it was initially noted" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "it was first recorded"?

Yes, using "it was first recorded" is incorrect if you are describing an ongoing event or something that doesn't involve documentation. It's best suited for historical facts, scientific findings, or items with specific recording dates.

What is the difference between "it was first recorded" and "it was discovered"?

"It was first recorded" indicates the initial documentation of something, while "it was discovered" refers to the initial finding or uncovering of something, which may or may not have been formally recorded at that time.