my first reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

"my first reaction" is a perfectly correct phrase to use in written English.
You can use it in any situation in which you are describing how you initially responded to something. For example, "My first reaction was one of surprise when I saw the size of the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

My first reaction was nostalgia.

The New York Times

My first reaction was shock.

Independent

My first reaction: No way!

The New York Times - Arts

"My first reaction was, 'Really?

The New York Times

My first reaction was crying".

The New York Times - Sports

"My first reaction was 'Wow,' " he said.

The New York Times

My first reaction was: Yeah, right.

The New Yorker

My first reaction is: "Oh my God.

The New York Times

"My first reaction was 'Wow,' " she said.

The New York Times - Arts

My first reaction is why not?

The New York Times

"My first reaction is – hooray!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my first reaction" to clearly convey your initial response to an event, statement, or situation. It's effective for storytelling, reporting, and expressing personal feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "my first reaction" when you're actually describing a considered opinion after some thought. This phrase is best for immediate, initial responses rather than reflections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my first reaction" functions as a sentence opener or introductory phrase. It signals that the speaker or writer is about to describe their initial response or feeling to a particular event, situation, or statement. According to Ludwig AI, it's a perfectly correct phrase to use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my first reaction" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively introduces a personal, initial response to something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in diverse contexts. While primarily found in news and media, its simplicity makes it suitable for various communication styles. When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately portraying an immediate response, not a later reflection. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "my initial response". Ultimately, "my first reaction" is a reliable way to share your immediate feelings and thoughts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my initial response

Replaces "reaction" with "response", offering a slightly more formal tone.

my immediate thought

Focuses on the mental aspect of the initial response, emphasizing the first thought that came to mind.

my first impression

Highlights the initial perception or feeling about something, rather than a reaction.

my gut reaction

Emphasizes an instinctive or emotional response, often without much thought.

my spontaneous reaction

Highlights the sudden and unplanned nature of the response.

at first, I thought

Shifts the sentence structure to emphasize the initial thought process.

initially, I felt

Focuses specifically on the initial feeling or emotion experienced.

my knee-jerk reaction

Implies a quick, often unthinking, and sometimes negative reaction.

my preliminary assessment

Suggests a more considered and analytical initial response.

my immediate take

Similar to thought, but more casual and conversational.

FAQs

How can I use "my first reaction" in a sentence?

You can use "my first reaction" to describe your initial response to something. For example, "My first reaction was surprise", or "My first reaction was confusion".

What are some alternatives to saying "my first reaction"?

Alternatives include "my initial response", "my immediate thought", or "my first impression depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "my first reaction" or "my initial reaction"?

Both "my first reaction" and "my initial reaction" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Initial" might sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "my first reaction" and "my gut reaction"?

"My first reaction" describes your immediate response in general, while "my gut reaction" specifically refers to an instinctive or emotional response.