my first experience with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'my first experience with' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about an initial experience with something. For example, "My first experience with skydiving was both exhilarating and a bit intimidating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MY first experience with a Hyundai automobile involved an Excel four-door hatchback, which I tested for Consumer Reports in early 1987.

The New York Times

"That was my first experience with it.

The New York Times - Food

My first experience with loss.

The New York Times

My first experience with LSD was overwhelming.

University of California, Berkeley

This wasn't my first experience with New Europe Tours.

Independent

So that was my first experience with management.

The New York Times

And this was my first experience with the opposite".

The Guardian

It was my first experience with overt victim blaming.

The Guardian - Opinion

My first experience with Gourmet was a head-on collision.

The New York Times

So that was definitely my first experience with it.

Harvard Business Review

This was not my first experience with terror, having grown up in Pakistan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your "my first experience with", provide specific details and sensory information to make it vivid for the reader. Instead of saying "My first experience with art was interesting", describe what you saw, heard, or felt during that experience.

Common error

Avoid using "my first experience with" without providing sufficient context. Ensure the reader understands what you are referring to and why that first experience is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my first experience with" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence, introducing a personal anecdote or recollection. It sets the stage for describing an initial encounter or exposure, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my first experience with" is a common phrase used to introduce a personal narrative about an initial encounter. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, serving to provide context and background. Its usage is prevalent in news media and academic writing, demonstrating its versatility across different registers. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide sufficient context and specific details to engage the reader effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my introduction to

Replaces "experience" with "introduction", emphasizing the beginning of familiarity.

my initial encounter with

Uses "encounter" to highlight a first meeting or confrontation with something.

when I first encountered

Shifts the focus to the action of encountering something for the first time.

the first time I tried

Specifically relates to trying something new, focusing on the action and novelty.

my first exposure to

Highlights being subjected to or made aware of something for the first time.

my baptism in

Figuratively uses "baptism" to describe a transformative first experience, often implying challenge or intensity.

my initiation into

Implies entry into a new group, skill, or experience, suggesting a process of learning and adaptation.

the dawn of my awareness of

Emphasizes the start of understanding or consciousness regarding a specific topic or thing.

my maiden voyage into

Evokes a sense of adventure and discovery when initially exploring a new area or activity.

the first taste I had of

Focuses on the initial impression or sensation gained from a novel experience.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "my first experience with" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "my initial encounter with", "my introduction to", or "my earliest exposure to".

Is it always necessary to include "my" when using the phrase "first experience with"?

While not strictly necessary, including "my" personalizes the statement and clarifies that you are speaking from your own perspective. Without it, the phrase can sound more general. For example, "first experience with the internet" sounds like a general concept, whereas "my first experience with the internet" is clearly about your individual experience.

What's the difference between "my first experience with" and "my first time using"?

"My first experience with" is broader and can refer to any encounter, while "my first time using" specifically refers to the act of utilizing something. For instance, "my first experience with painting" could be seeing a painting, whereas "my first time using paint" refers to actually painting yourself.

How to follow up after stating "my first experience with"?

After stating "my first experience with", provide relevant details. For example, if you said "My first experience with coding was challenging", you might continue with "...because I struggled with the syntax" or "...but I found the logic fascinating".