many firsts

USAGE SUMMARY

'many firsts' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe multiple occasions in which something happens for the first time: "The freshman class had many firsts this year, from their first class to their first football game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Together, you've experienced many, many firsts.

Cornell University

The ads represent many firsts for Xerox.

The New York Times

The Accord has had many firsts.

The New York Times

There are still many firsts to come.

The New York Times

The project will involve many firsts.

The Guardian

"There are so many firsts in this collection," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Ashe accomplished a great many firsts in his tennis career.

The New York Times

Secretary Norman Y . Minetais a person of many firsts.

Stanford University

Many "firsts" over the years have been major.

The New York Times

YALE UNIVERSITY has had many firsts in its long history.

The New York Times

It was the last of Murray's many firsts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "many firsts", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes a 'first' and why it is significant. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "many firsts" as a generic statement. Provide specific examples or details to illustrate the significance and impact of these 'firsts'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "many firsts" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a direct object, subject complement, or within a prepositional phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "many firsts" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to underscore the pioneering aspects of multiple events or achievements. This phrase enjoys wide applicability across diverse writing styles, although maintaining context and specificity enriches its effectiveness. Predominantly employed in news and media, its informal register facilitates engagement. To avoid overuse, substitute with alternatives like "numerous inaugural events" or "multiple debuts" for variety. In essence, "many firsts" is a valuable asset in portraying groundbreaking events, provided it's utilized with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several initial experiences

Replaces "firsts" with "initial experiences", focusing on personal encounters and the novelty of something happening for the first time.

a lot of premieres

Replaces "firsts" with "premieres", emphasizing debuts or initial presentations.

multiple debuts

Uses "debuts" instead of "firsts", stressing the act of making a first public appearance.

numerous inaugural events

Substitutes "firsts" with a more formal phrasing centered on initial or introductory occasions.

a number of groundbreaking instances

Focuses on the innovative aspect of events, with a similar meaning but different word choice.

various landmark occasions

Emphasizes the significance of the "firsts" as being important or historic.

significant pioneering events

Highlights the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the "firsts".

innumerable beginnings

Uses "beginnings" instead of "firsts", highlighting the start or commencement of something.

myriad of historical precedents

Replaces "firsts" with a more elaborate phrasing focused on a great number of precedents.

a series of antecedents

Uses "antecedents" instead of "firsts", in a very specific context, underlining the importance of precedence.

FAQs

How can I use "many firsts" in a sentence?

You can use "many firsts" to describe a situation where there are numerous initial occurrences or achievements. For example, "The company's expansion into new markets led to "many firsts", including the first international partnership and the first product launch in Asia".

What phrases are similar to "many firsts"?

Similar phrases include "numerous inaugural events", "multiple debuts", or "several initial experiences", all suggesting novelty and precedence.

Is it appropriate to use "many firsts" in formal writing?

Yes, "many firsts" can be used in formal writing, but ensure that the context is clear and the 'firsts' are significant and well-defined. More formal alternatives like "various landmark occasions" might be considered depending on the specific tone and audience.

What's the difference between "many firsts" and "a series of antecedents"?

"Many firsts" generally refers to a collection of initial occurrences or achievements. "A series of antecedents" is also about precedence, but it's more about setting a ground for what has come after. A series of antecedents refers to a specific sequence of prior events or conditions that have led to a present situation.