not the first time

USAGE SUMMARY

"not the first time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has happened before and is not a new occurrence. For example, "It's not the first time I've been asked to do this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not the first time.

The New York Times

This is regrettably not the first time".

The New York Times

It was not the first time either.

Independent

This is not the first time".

The New York Times

And this is not the first time.

The New York Times

It was not the first time.

The New York Times

Apparently, it's not the first time.

The Guardian

"It's not the first time," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, this is not the first time.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it's not the first time.

The New York Times

TI: It's not the first time.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not the first time" to provide context and background information, implying that a situation or event is part of a pattern or history. This can add depth and understanding to your writing.

Common error

While useful, avoid overusing "not the first time" in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "previously" or "recurring" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not the first time" functions as an adverbial phrase. It typically modifies a verb or clause to indicate that an event or situation has occurred previously. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not the first time" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that an event has occurred before. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase for general use. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, this phrase serves to provide context, highlight patterns, or express a sense of recurrence. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Remember to provide context and avoid overuse to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

happened before

Focuses on the event having a prior occurrence, simplifying the original phrase.

this isn't unprecedented

Indicates the event is not unique or novel, implying similar events have taken place.

occurred previously

Emphasizes the past occurrence of something, using more formal language.

it is a repeat performance

Highlights that the event is an action or activity being done again.

it's a recurring event

Highlights the repetitive nature of the event.

not a novel situation

Suggests that the scenario is familiar and has been encountered before.

it has precedents

Suggests established examples or a history of similar occurrences.

history repeats itself

A more figurative way to say something has happened before.

it's customary

Implies the event is common or usual.

been there, done that

An informal expression indicating prior experience with something.

FAQs

What does "not the first time" mean?

The phrase "not the first time" means that something has happened before. It's used to indicate a recurring event or situation.

How can I use "not the first time" in a sentence?

You can use "not the first time" to add context to a situation. For example, "This isn't the first time the company has faced financial difficulties."

What are some alternatives to "not the first time"?

Alternatives to "not the first time" include phrases like "happened before", "occurred previously", or "a recurring event".

Is it appropriate to use "not the first time" in formal writing?

Yes, "not the first time" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "this isn't unprecedented" if the context requires it.