maiden voyage

USAGE SUMMARY

'maiden voyage' is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally, you can use the phrase "maiden voyage" to describe a first journey or undertaking that involves some sort of exploration or discovery. Example: The Space Shuttle marked its maiden voyage when it launched in 1981.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And "Maiden Voyage" conveyed a shimmering luminescence.

The New York Times - Arts

It was hardly his maiden voyage either.

The Guardian

Its sinking, on its maiden voyage, was big news.

The New York Times

Maiden Voyage, a song I wrote in 1965.

The Guardian - Music

When will the SpaceShipTwo make its maiden voyage?

The Guardian - Business

The recording made last month at Bennett Studios, "Maiden Voyage Suite," will consist of original arrangements of tunes from Mr. Hancock's 1965 album "Maiden Voyage".

The New York Times

Over the next few days, we began making preparations for our maiden voyage.

The New Yorker

Age: 23 The fifty of us on FoodCorps's maiden voyage made fast friends.

The New York Times

Commemorations begin this weekend to mark the centenary of Titanic's tragic maiden voyage.

Independent

It saved nearly $2m in fuel costs on its maiden voyage alone.

The Economist

(The maiden voyage of the Titanic was a style story — until it hit the iceberg).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "maiden voyage"; it often implies a sense of importance, risk, or historical significance.

Common error

Avoid using "maiden voyage" to describe subsequent trips or journeys. The phrase specifically refers to the very first voyage of a vessel or undertaking. Reserve it for true beginnings, not for recurring events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maiden voyage" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig show it describing the first journey of ships and other ventures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maiden voyage" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe the first journey or undertaking of a vessel or venture. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in Encyclopedias and Wiki. When writing, reserve it for inaugural events to maintain accuracy, and consider alternatives like "inaugural journey" for nuance. As the examples indicate, "maiden voyage" has both literal and metaphorical applications, making it a versatile expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inaugural journey

Emphasizes the ceremonial or formal aspect of the first trip.

groundbreaking voyage

Highlights the innovative or precedent-setting nature of the first trip.

debut flight

Focuses on the first aerial journey or flight.

first expedition

Highlights the exploratory or adventurous nature of the initial journey.

premiere trip

Highlights the grand or important nature of the first journey.

first mission

Emphasizes the purpose or objective of the initial journey.

initial cruise

Specifically refers to the first sea voyage, typically for leisure.

trial run

Implies a test or experimental first journey to assess performance.

opening gambit

Shifts the context to a first move or action in a broader sense, such as in business or politics.

first undertaking

Broadens the meaning to any initial endeavor or project, not necessarily travel-related.

FAQs

How can I use "maiden voyage" in a sentence?

You can use "maiden voyage" to describe the first journey of a ship, for example: "The Titanic sank on its "maiden voyage"".

What's a good alternative to "maiden voyage"?

Consider using "inaugural journey" or "first expedition" as alternatives to "maiden voyage" depending on the context.

Is "maiden voyage" only used for ships?

While traditionally used for ships, "maiden voyage" can be used for the first journey of other vehicles or even metaphorical undertakings, maintaining a sense of novelty and importance.

What is the significance of a "maiden voyage"?

A "maiden voyage" is significant because it represents the beginning and potential of a new vessel or venture. It often carries historical weight and is surrounded by anticipation and ceremony.