my first encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

'my first encounter' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing an experience that has been significant or memorable for you. For example: "My first encounter with a bear in the wild was an unforgettable experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MY first encounter with my own blackness occurred in the checkout line at the grocery store.

The New York Times

MY first encounter with "American Psycho" should have prepared me for the trouble to come.

The New York Times

This was my first encounter with Denis.

Independent

This was not my first encounter with homophobia, but it was my first encounter with racism.

The New York Times

It was my first encounter with the realities.

The New Yorker

But my first encounter at Princeton was dramatically extracurricular.

Princeton University

It wasn't my first encounter with the impact investing approach.

Cornell University

"That was my first encounter with the theater.

The New York Times - Style

My first encounter with this occurred one night on call.

The Washington Post

My first encounter with Phyllis came on the page.

The Guardian - Books

My first encounter in America was with a luggage cart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my first encounter" to introduce a personal anecdote or a significant initial experience. It sets a narrative tone and invites the reader to connect with your perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "my first encounter" in highly formal or academic writing where a more objective tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "initial exposure" or "introduction to" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my first encounter" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a narrative or description of an initial experience. It sets the stage for a personal account, indicating a significant meeting or exposure. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "my first encounter" serves as an introductory hook, signaling a personal story about an initial experience. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across varied sources, from news media to academic papers. While grammatically sound, it's best suited for neutral to slightly informal contexts. When more formality is required, consider alternatives like "initial exposure". Remember to use "my first encounter" to draw your audience into your narrative and set the stage for a compelling story.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial experience

Focuses on the general concept of an initial experience, suitable when a more formal or neutral tone is desired.

first time meeting

Specifically relates to meeting someone for the first time.

my introduction to

Emphasizes the act of being introduced to a new concept, place, or person.

my earliest memory of

Links the event to a personal memory, emphasizing a subjective recollection.

the first instance I saw

Highlights the specific event of first seeing something, whether physical or abstract.

the day I discovered

Emphasizes the element of discovery and personal revelation.

when I first came across

Refers to the act of finding or encountering something unexpectedly.

the inaugural experience

Formal phrasing, implying importance or official status of the initial experience.

my baptism into

Figurative expression for being initiated into something new, often implying a transformative experience.

my initiation with

Similar to baptism, suggesting a formal introduction or induction into a practice or group.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "my first encounter"?

You can use alternatives like "initial experience", "first time meeting", or "my introduction to" depending on the context.

How do I use "my first encounter" in a sentence?

"My first encounter" is typically followed by "with" and the subject of the encounter, such as "My first encounter with jazz was transformative" or "My first encounter with her was at a conference".

What's the difference between "my first encounter" and "my first experience"?

"My first encounter" often implies an interaction or meeting with something or someone specific, whereas "my first experience" is broader and can refer to any kind of initial engagement.

Is "my first encounter" formal or informal?

"My first encounter" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's appropriate for conversational writing, personal essays, and many news articles, but might be too informal for strict academic writing.