on the first day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the first day" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial day of an event, activity, or period of time. Example: "On the first day of the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to network and attend various workshops."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

On the first day of school.

HuffPost

Attendance on the first day is required.

Stanford University

The fan broke on the first day.

The Guardian - Film

On the first day, I shopped.

The New York Times - Food

The low came on the first day.

The Guardian

On the first day, at least.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

There were 16 on the first Monday.

The Guardian

Light the first candle on the first Sunday of Advent; two candles on the second Sunday of Advent; etc.

WikiHow

And on the eighth day?

The Guardian - Sport

And then on the third day.

Cornell University

On the third day, she died.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the first day", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'first day' refers to. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "on the first day" without specifying the relevant timeframe. Always clarify what event or period the 'first day' pertains to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the first day" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action occurs. It indicates the time frame for an event, similar to examples provided by Ludwig, such as "On the first day of school" or "On the first day of classes".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

30%

Science

29%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the first day" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to specify the beginning of an event or period. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "at the beginning" or "at the start", but "on the first day" provides a specific temporal reference. While it is used in formal and informal writing, clarity and context are vital for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the start

Similar to "at the beginning", this indicates the commencement of an event.

at the beginning

Focuses on the start of something, omitting the specific reference to a "day".

from the outset

Emphasizes the initial stage or starting point of a process or activity.

at the opening

Refers to the start or inauguration of an event or period.

in the initial phase

Highlights the early stages of a process, often implying a multi-stage event.

the inaugural day

Emphasizes the celebratory or formal start of an event or period.

upon commencement

A more formal way of saying "at the beginning", often used in official or legal contexts.

in the early stages

Highlights the initial period of development or progress.

to begin with

Indicates the initial action or consideration in a series of steps.

at inception

Refers to the very beginning or creation of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the first day" to describe the beginning of an event, process, or period. For example, "On the first day of school, many students feel nervous."

What are some alternatives to using "on the first day"?

You can use alternatives such as "at the beginning", "from the outset", or "at the start" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what 'first day' refers to when using the phrase "on the first day"?

Yes, it is best practice to clarify the timeframe to avoid confusion. Without context, the reader may not know which 'first day' you are referring to.

What's the difference between "on the first day" and "initially"?

"On the first day" refers specifically to the beginning of a defined period, while "initially" refers to the beginning stages or actions without necessarily implying a specific day.