on the first take

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the first take" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe success on the first try, and sometimes implies that the effort was surprisingly successful with little or no preparation. For example: "I got the question right on the first take, much to everyone's surprise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

When we needed one to growl it would usually just do it on the first take.

The Guardian - Film

There's just something about when chords come together and when doubling parts come together and one's a little louder than the other, a little more energy on the first take than on the second.

Huffington Post

We got her on the first take.

The New Yorker

(Soderbergh got his shot on the first take).

The New Yorker

Jones nailed her vocal on the first take.

The New York Times - Magazine

The session lasted less than an hour, and Brion nailed it on the first take.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

On the sixth take, Coogan's exasperation—"I take one hundred per cent!"—set David wheezing like a tire deflating.

The New Yorker

Maybe I will on the second take".

The Guardian - Music

On the seventh take, Coogan nailed it.

The New Yorker

On the third take, she pretended to forget her lines.

The Guardian - Film

On the second take, she pretended to slip.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "on the first take", consider the audience's expectations. If the context suggests a task of considerable difficulty, the phrase enhances the sense of accomplishment and expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "on the first take" when describing processes that inherently require multiple iterations or revisions. The phrase suggests a completed, successful outcome from the initial attempt, and misapplication can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the first take" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the timing and manner in which an action was performed. According to Ludwig AI, it commonly describes a successful attempt at something during the initial try.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the first take" is a widely recognized and accepted adverbial phrase used to denote immediate success upon the first attempt, often implying skill or luck. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and its frequency is very common, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its meaning and be mindful of audience expectations to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flawlessly on the first try

Adds emphasis on the quality of the successful attempt, highlighting its perfection.

perfectly the first time

Focuses on the perfection of the action, highlighting that it was done correctly from the beginning.

at the first attempt

Emphasizes the attempt aspect, highlighting the act of trying rather than the immediate success during a recording or filming session.

on the very first try

Adds emphasis with "very", which highlights the singularity and quickness of the achievement.

without a second attempt

Highlights the absence of a need for repetition, stressing the efficiency of the initial action.

on the initial try

Replaces 'take' with 'try', making it applicable to various scenarios beyond filming or recording.

at the first go

Replaces 'take' with 'go', which is a British English alternative with broader applicability.

nailed it immediately

Uses a more colloquial term 'nailed it' to express success achieved instantly.

achieved it instantly

Highlights the speed and immediacy with which success was accomplished.

right away

Conveys immediacy and lack of delay, focusing on the timing of the success.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the first take" to describe a successful performance or action completed successfully on the initial attempt, as in "She sang the aria perfectly on the first take".

What does it mean when someone says "on the first take"?

It means that a task, usually a performance or recording, was completed successfully and without errors during the initial attempt. It implies efficiency and skill.

What are some alternatives to "on the first take"?

You can use alternatives like "at the first attempt", "on the initial try", or "right away" depending on the context.

Is "on the first take" suitable for formal writing?

While "on the first take" is widely understood, more formal alternatives such as "at the first attempt" or "on the initial try" might be preferable in strictly formal contexts.