on the first evening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on the first evening' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a specific occasion or time in the past, for example: On the first evening of our holiday, we dined at an elegant restaurant overlooking the beach.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And, you know, if you look at the riot that took place over the summer, if that were stopped – it all, it mostly took place on the first evening, and if that were stopped on the first evening, you know, you'd have a much nicer city right now, because much of that damage and much of the destruction was done on Evening One.

The Washington Post

He performs solo on the first evening.

The New Yorker

But on the first evening, things went awry.

The New York Times

The police should have been "more robust" on the first evening.

The Guardian

After some initial awkwardness on the first evening, we are all soon amiably swapping insults like old friends.

The Guardian - Travel

One candle is lit on the first evening, and an additional candle is lit on each subsequent evening until eight candles are burning on the last evening.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Late on the first evening, Friday 11 February, guests at Whitstable's Continental hotel (where all the speakers were staying) awoke to the sounds of an unpleasant altercation.

The Guardian - Music

West Indies, dispirited by their batting on the first day, nevertheless had been buoyed by the wicket of Marcus Trescothick late on the first evening.

The Guardian - Sport

May is likely to have the opportunity to present her thoughts to leaders over dinner on the first evening, with the leaders then discussing the issues over lunch the following day.

The Guardian

As President Trump flew to Hanoi this week, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders had a surprise announcement: Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would meet earlier than expected, at a dinner on the first evening.

The Washington Post

On the first evening, he was waterboarded, as a result of which he coughed, vomited and had spasms.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the first evening" to clearly establish the timeframe when describing the initial events of a multi-day occurrence or series.

Common error

Avoid using 'at the first evening'; the correct preposition is 'on'. "On the first evening" is the standard and grammatically sound choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the first evening" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifying the time at which an event occurred. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the first evening" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that functions as an adverbial phrase to specify time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedias, indicating a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it clearly establishes the timeframe and avoid the incorrect form 'at the first evening'. Alternatives like "the first night" or "on the opening night" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the first night

A more concise way of saying "on the first evening".

on the initial evening

Uses a more formal synonym for 'first'.

on the very first evening

Intensifies the 'first' aspect, emphasizing immediacy.

that first night

Adds a sense of reminiscence or specific memory.

on the opening night

Emphasizes the start of a performance or event, often theatrical.

the inaugural evening

Suggests a formal or ceremonial beginning.

at the beginning of the night

Focuses on the early part of the night, rather than specifying the first night of something.

upon the debut night

Highlights the first appearance or introduction.

at dusk on the first day

Specifies the time of day more precisely.

as night fell on the first occasion

A more descriptive, literary alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the first evening" to describe an event that happened at the beginning of a series or a trip. For example, "On the first evening of our vacation, we went out for dinner".

What's a good alternative to "on the first evening"?

Alternatives include /s/the+first+night, /s/on+the+opening+night, or /s/on+the+initial+evening depending on the context. Each has a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "in the first evening" instead of "on the first evening"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "on". "In the first evening" is not standard English. Use "on the first evening".

What's the difference between "on the first evening" and "on the first night"?

While similar, "on the first evening" might imply a more specific timeframe within the first night, whereas "on the first night" is a broader reference to the entire night.