just the first of many

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just the first of many" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is the initial occurrence in a series of similar events or items. Example: "This award is just the first of many that we hope to achieve this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hopefully this is just the first of many".

The New York Times - Sports

It would be just the first of many firsts.

The New York Times

This is just the first of many such marketing stunts that are bound to ensue.

The Economist

Sad to say, Balcombe is set to be just the first of many such stand-offs.

Independent

But people then were not unduly worried, because penicillin was just the first of many compounds.

The Guardian

That was just the first of many mistakes I would make that morning.

The New York Times - Travel

But the electronic officer is just the first of many to come.

The Washington Post

The mammoth switchover is just the first of many challenges facing the new airport.

The Guardian

This was just the first of many of the problems I faced due to zero credit history.

Columbia University

And Libya is just the first of many hard choices we're going to face in the "new" Middle East.

The New York Times

Today's alert order is likely to be just the first of many in the weeks to come, officials said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just the first of many" to set expectations that a single event is part of a larger trend or series, providing context and anticipation for what follows.

Common error

While versatile, "just the first of many" can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "only the beginning" or "more to come" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just the first of many" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is the initial element in a sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just the first of many" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is the initial occurrence in a series of events or items. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as a determiner phrase, setting the expectation for future occurrences. Commonly found in news and media, as well as academic writing, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Alternatives include "only the beginning" or "the initial installment". To use it effectively, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and context, avoiding overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only the beginning

This alternative is more concise, emphasizing that what has occurred is merely the start.

the first in a series

This alternative clearly states that what has occurred is part of a larger sequence.

merely the prelude

This alternative uses more formal language to suggest an introductory event.

one of many to follow

This alternative highlights the continuation of similar events in the future.

just a taste of things to come

This alternative implies that future events will be similar or greater in scale.

the opening act

This alternative suggests that what has occurred is a preliminary event.

a sign of things to come

This alternative suggests that the event is indicative of future trends or occurrences.

the initial installment

This alternative is more formal, suitable for describing a series of planned events.

the harbinger

This alternative implies that what has occurred foreshadows future developments.

the tip of the iceberg

This alternative conveys that the current situation reveals only a small part of a larger, hidden issue.

FAQs

What does "just the first of many" mean?

It indicates that something is the initial occurrence in a series of similar events or items, implying that more will follow.

How can I use "just the first of many" in a sentence?

You might say, "This award is "just the first of many" that we hope to achieve this year", to suggest that more awards are expected.

What can I say instead of "just the first of many"?

You can use alternatives like "only the beginning", "the initial installment", or "more to come" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "just the first of many" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when setting expectations or providing context about a series of events. However, consider the tone and choose alternatives if a more concise option suits the context better.