on first date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on first date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial meeting or outing between two people who are romantically interested in each other. Example: "I was so nervous on first date, but it turned out to be a wonderful evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Confessed my love on first date".

Vice

- Annie, 39. "Said "I love you" on first date".- Grizelda, 28.

Vice

"I can't believe I'm about to go on first date number 85! How many dates do I need to go on before I find my guy?!" I was glad I had not put on make up yet, because I began to cry.

Huffington Post

Participants were asked how many of the outbreaks reports from the year 2000 included details on first date of onset, last date of onset, number of persons ill, number of persons hospitalized, number of related deaths, and setting of the outbreak.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Don't ask for sex on first date.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr. Goncey said one other ritual remains unchanged -- nervous teenagers on first dates.

The New York Times

On first dates.

The New Yorker

Not on First Dates, though.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

On First Dates: "She blow-dries what?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They must be great on first dates.

The Guardian - Sport

COUPLES do all sorts of things on first dates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on first date", ensure it's clear you are referring to the initial romantic encounter. For clarity, especially in formal writing, consider alternatives like "during the first date".

Common error

Avoid using "on first date" when you mean simply 'the first day of the month'. Ensure the context indicates a romantic meeting, or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on first date" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate when something occurred. Ludwig AI shows it is used to describe actions, feelings, or events that take place during the initial romantic encounter between two people.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on first date" is a prepositional phrase used to specify the timing of an event or feeling within the context of an initial romantic encounter. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI suggests that it is relatively rare, and its use should be considered in light of the desired formality. Alternative phrasings like "during the first date" may offer greater clarity or a more formal tone. When using "on first date", ensure the context makes the romantic interpretation clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on that first date

Adds "that" to specify a particular first date being referenced.

during the initial date

Replaces "on" with "during", slightly changing the focus to the timeframe.

upon the first date

Uses "upon" instead of "on", creating a slightly more formal tone.

during our first date together

Adds "together" for emphasis and clarifies the shared experience.

at the first meeting

Substitutes "date" with "meeting", broadening the context beyond romance.

during their first date

Changes perspective to third-person, discussing someone else's date.

when we first dated

Changes the structure to a clause, focusing on the action of dating.

at the beginning of the date

Focuses specifically on the start of the first date experience.

in the course of the first date

Uses a more formal phrasing to indicate events happening throughout the date.

on the occasion of our first date

Emphasizes the event or special nature of the first date.

FAQs

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

You can use "on first date" to describe events or feelings experienced during an initial romantic encounter. For instance, "I was very nervous "on first date", but it ended up being a lot of fun".

What's a more formal way to say "on first date"?

Alternatives such as "during our first date" or "at the initial meeting" can provide a more formal tone compared to "on first date".

Is it always clear that "on first date" refers to a romantic encounter?

Not always. Ensure the context is clear, or use alternatives like "during the first date" or "at our initial meeting" to avoid ambiguity, especially in professional contexts. Otherwise, your reader may misunderstand what you mean by "on first date".

What kind of topics are generally avoided "on first date"?

Controversial topics or overly personal subjects are often avoided "on first date" to maintain a light and positive atmosphere. Focusing on shared interests is a better strategy.