it was their first time

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "It was their first time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that a person or group of people are trying or attempting for the first time. For example: "It was their first time running a marathon, so they were both a bit apprehensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was their first time squidding.

The New Yorker

It was their first time in Washington.

The Washington Post

For some it was their first time in Israel.

The New York Times

It was their first time seeing that book.

The New York Times - Books

It was their first time apart, and they struggled.

The New York Times

It was their first time walking the levee.

The New York Times

It was their first time talking to rural Bangladeshis and spending time in the countryside.

Columbia University

For many of them, it was their first time visiting the UC Berkeley campus.

University of California, Berkeley

For many, it was their first time to Memphis, 100-plus miles away.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

For Mr. Baldwin and Ms. Allen, it was their second time quitting.

The New York Times

Tony Callaghan, from Norfolk in eastern England, was at the Imperial Hotel with his wife - it was their third time there.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was their first time" to emphasize the novelty or inexperience associated with a particular event or activity. It's especially effective when highlighting learning experiences or overcoming challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "it was their first time" when referring to repeated actions or habitual events. It's best suited for singular, notable experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was their first time" functions as a descriptive clause. It typically introduces a statement about someone's initial experience with a particular activity or event, setting the context for further details. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its frequent use in news reporting and personal narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was their first time" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to indicate that individuals are experiencing something new. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is prevalent in news reporting and academic writing, maintaining a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with singular, notable experiences rather than habitual actions. Consider alternatives like "it marked their initial experience" for variety. With a solid expert rating, this phrase effectively communicates the novelty of an experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it marked their initial experience

Rephrases the sentence by emphasizing that the event was the beginning of their experience.

it was a completely new experience for them

Emphasizes the novelty of the experience.

they were experiencing it for the first time

Focuses on the act of experiencing something new.

this was their introduction to it

Indicates the start of their exposure.

it was a novelty for them

Highlights the newness and unfamiliarity of the experience.

they had never done it before

States directly that they lacked prior experience.

they were newcomers to it

Indicates they were new or inexperienced.

they were uninitiated in it

Implies a lack of prior knowledge or involvement.

they had not encountered it previously

More formally indicates a lack of prior experience.

it was their maiden voyage

Uses a metaphor suggesting a first journey or undertaking.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was their first time"?

You can use phrases like "it marked their initial experience", "they were experiencing it for the first time", or "it was a completely new experience for them" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, the phrase "it was their first time" is grammatically correct and widely used to indicate that someone is experiencing something for the first time, as Ludwig AI confirms.

What does "it was their first time" imply?

The phrase implies that the individuals involved lack previous experience in the particular activity or situation being discussed. It often carries connotations of novelty, potential excitement, or possible apprehension.

In what contexts is "it was their first time" typically used?

This phrase is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and general conversation to describe people's initial experiences, such as "it was their first time visiting" a new city or "it was their first time walking" a particular route.