on the first date

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the first date" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the initial encounter between two people, either with romantic implications or not. For example, you could say, "Sally and I talked all night on the first date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Should you kiss on the first date?

The Guardian

A home run on the first date.

The Guardian - Sport

Does she kiss on the first date?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Should a guy pay on the first date?" she asked.

The New York Times

Sex on the first date can be thrilling or depressing.

The New York Times - Style

On the first date we went walking by the river.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Should a woman have sex on the first date?

The New York Times - Style

And who would propose marriage on the first date?

The Guardian

"It used to be that you never discussed politics on the first date," he said.

The New York Times

"We completed each other's sentences on the first date," Mr. Ehrlich said.

The New York Times

They had fallen in love on the first date, and moved in together that night.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the first date", ensure the context clearly establishes that you are referring to a romantic encounter or initial meeting between two people. This avoids ambiguity, especially if discussing professional meetings or other types of initial interactions.

Common error

Avoid assuming the phrase "on the first date" automatically implies a romantic setting. Clarify the nature of the meeting if the context might be ambiguous. For example, specify "on our first business date" if referring to a professional engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the first date" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time or circumstances under which an action occurred. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples showing its role in setting the scene or timing of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Vice

5%

Forbes

3%

Behavioral and Brain Functions

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the first date" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to specify when an event occurred during an initial romantic meeting. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts. Analysis reveals that the phrase serves to provide temporal context and is generally neutral in register, though the topic of dating itself can be informal. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, its high frequency underscores its relevance in everyday communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the romantic nature of the meeting to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the first date

Replaces "on" with "during", emphasizing the time frame of the date.

on that first date

Adds "that" to specify a particular first date.

upon our first date

Replaces "on" with "upon", adding a slightly more formal tone.

during that initial date

Replaces "first" with "initial" and adds "that", emphasizing the start of dating.

during our first meeting

Replaces "date" with "meeting", focusing on the general act of meeting rather than the specific dating context.

at our first outing

Substitutes "date" with "outing", suggesting a casual and less formal context.

at the start of our date

Changes the structure to focus on the beginning of the date.

at the initial encounter

Uses more formal language, substituting "first date" with "initial encounter".

when we first met

Shifts the focus to the action of meeting for the first time, altering the sentence structure.

in the first instance of dating

Uses more formal and descriptive language, focusing on the act of dating itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the first date" to describe events, conversations, or impressions that occurred during an initial romantic encounter. For instance, "We discovered our shared love for hiking "on the first date"".

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

If you want to sound less formal, you could say "when we first hung out" or "the first time we went out". These options are more casual and imply a relaxed setting.

Is it always necessary to specify "on the first date"?

No, if the context makes it clear that you are talking about an initial romantic meeting, you can simply say "when we first met". However, specifying ""on the first date"" adds clarity and emphasizes the romantic nature of the encounter.

What are some common topics to avoid "on the first date"?

While it depends on personal preference, many people suggest avoiding overly sensitive topics such as past relationships, financial problems, or controversial political views "on the first date". Sticking to lighter, more positive subjects can help create a better first impression.