one of the first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'one of the first' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could say, "He was one of the first people to apply for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(HuffPost was one of the first to be on this).

Huffington Post

OMR One of the first contemporary galleries.

The New York Times

One of the first St.

The New York Times

Now it's one of the first questions.

The Guardian

Jack is one of the first victims.

The New York Times - Arts

One of the first was Coffee Break.

The Guardian

Sandstorm was one of the first casualties.

The New York Times

One of the first he dubbed Chivis.

Forbes

Want one of the first ones?

TechCrunch

You – one of the first investor….

TechCrunch

One of the first available programs is the CalREL.

Structural Dynamics and Probabilistic Analyses for Engineers

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "one of the first", ensure the context clearly identifies the group or category to which the subject belongs. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "one of the first" without providing sufficient context. Be specific about what the subject was first at doing to maintain clarity and avoid vague claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one of the first" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is among the earliest or most initial in a particular category or sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one of the first" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to denote priority or initial involvement. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and broad acceptance. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various settings. To ensure clarity, provide specific context about the subject's pioneering role, avoiding overgeneralizations. Consider using alternatives like "among the pioneers" or "at the forefront" for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of the initial

Uses a more formal tone, emphasizing sequence.

one of the earliest

Highlights the temporal aspect of being early.

among the pioneers

Focuses on innovative and groundbreaking individuals or entities.

at the forefront

Emphasizes a leading position in a field or activity.

breaking ground

Signifies innovation and the initiation of new approaches.

a founding member

Implies active participation in establishing something.

leading the way

Suggests guidance and direction for others to follow.

an early adopter

Relates to someone who embraces new technologies or practices before others.

setting the trend

Indicates establishing a new fashion or behavior.

in the beginning

Highlights the starting point or initial phase of an event or process.

FAQs

How can I use "one of the first" in a sentence?

Use "one of the first" to indicate that someone or something was among the earliest to do or be something. For example, "She was one of the first women to graduate from that university."

What are some alternatives to saying "one of the first"?

Alternatives include "one of the earliest", "among the pioneers", or "at the forefront", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "one of the very first"?

While "one of the very first" isn't grammatically incorrect, it can sometimes be redundant. Using "one of the first" is usually sufficient to convey the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "one of the first" and "the first"?

"The first" implies there was only one initial entity or event, whereas "one of the first" suggests there were several early entities or events. For example, if there were multiple initial participants, use "one of the first"; if there was only one, use "the first".