on a first attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a first attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial effort made to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. Example: "She managed to solve the complex equation on a first attempt, impressing her classmates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

In The Witness you can wander from section to section, trying out different kinds of puzzle and resolving to come back to ones that eluded you on a first attempt.

The Guardian - Tech

I often find designs that come together on a first attempt aren't as strong as ones that have gone through a few missteps.

Forbes

Apparently no one at that time had ever skied the Grand on a first attempt, because once you get up there and see what the skiing is about–holy crap it's just ridiculous.

Forbes

On a first attempt, workers cut that to 15 minutes.

The New York Times

This paper relates on a first attempt to see if aspect-oriented programming (AOP) and logic meta-programming (LMP) can help with the revitalisation of legacy business software.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

In this contribution, we report on a first attempt to use magnetorheological (MR) fluids as analogue materials for simulating the mechanical behavior of mobile décollement layers that change their mechanical properties during deformation.

Tectonophysics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This can be dangerous for a first attempt; start on a quiet schoolmaster.

WikiHow

A first attempt based on journals in the Twitter Index.

Nature

They were successful on a second attempt.

The Guardian

On a third attempt, the plane left the runway but slammed into a fence.

The New York Times - Sports

But on a third attempt he got himself appointed assistant conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony in 1957.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a first attempt", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the outcome was successful or unsuccessful. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

A frequent error is mistaking "attempt" for "attendant". Ensure you are using the correct word to maintain the intended meaning of your sentence. "Attempt" refers to an effort to achieve something, while "attendant" refers to someone who assists or accompanies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a first attempt" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the circumstance under which an action was performed, indicating that it was done during the initial try. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a first attempt" is a grammatically correct and useful expression to highlight outcomes achieved during an initial try. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While categorized as "Uncommon" in frequency, it's found across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When incorporating this phrase, clarity is key – specify the result to avoid ambiguity. For similar meanings, consider using alternatives like "at the first try" or "upon initial endeavor". Avoiding confusion with similar-sounding words like "attendant" is essential for precise writing. In short, "on a first attempt" is a valuable tool to emphasize efficiency or difficulty in initial endeavors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the first try

Replaces 'attempt' with the simpler word 'try'.

upon initial endeavor

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey the same meaning.

in the first instance

Emphasizes the immediacy and priority of the first try.

at the outset

Focuses on the very beginning of the process.

on the opening effort

Highlights the active exertion in the first try.

during the maiden run

Suggests a trial or test in the first instance.

with the first go

Uses informal language, replacing 'attempt' with 'go'.

at the preliminary stage

Indicates the initial phase or step.

on the first pass

Implies a task done in stages or iterations.

in the beginning

Simple expression to indicate the start of the process.

FAQs

How can I use "on a first attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "on a first attempt" to describe the outcome of an initial try at something. For example, "She solved the puzzle "on a first attempt"" indicates she solved it successfully the first time.

Is there a more formal way to say "on a first attempt"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "upon initial endeavor" or "in the first instance" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "on a first attempt" and "at first glance"?

"On a first attempt" refers to the initial try at doing something, while "at first glance" refers to an initial impression or observation.

When is it appropriate to use "on a first attempt"?

It's appropriate to use "on a first attempt" when you want to specify that something was achieved or failed during the initial try, highlighting the efficiency or difficulty of the task.