our first customer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our first customer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initial client or buyer of a product or service in a business context. Example: "We are thrilled to announce that our first customer has officially signed up for our subscription service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Our first customer liked our software.

The New York Times

We signed up our first customer, an attending physician at the hospital, with a handshake.

The New York Times

Our first customer pulled up before 8 a.m. while we were setting up.

The New York Times

We formed a partnership in 1995, created a prototype and our first customer was AOL.

The New York Times

"We've had our first customer!" Portas shouts to one of her colleagues as a sale is rung through.

Independent

It was an embarrassing situation, but his generosity started a good relationship that resulted in our first customer contract.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"We were our first customers," says co-founder Julien Callede.

The Guardian

We're thrilled to be welcoming our first customers.

TechCrunch

"Our first customers were the record labels themselves and they are still using our technology.

TechCrunch

With (our first customers), some are pay-as-you-go, some are subscription.

TechCrunch

We have done a lot in the last two years to mature the product and make it useful for our first customers.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referencing "our first customer", consider the specific context and choose language that reflects the nature of the relationship (e.g., "client" for professional services, "user" for software). This nuance can enhance clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic or celebratory language when simply referring to "our first customer". While it's a milestone, excessive praise can seem insincere or unprofessional. Focus on the customer's role and the positive impact on your business.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our first customer" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a determiner phrase identifying a specific customer. It commonly acts as a subject or object in sentences, as demonstrated in the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our first customer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to refer to the initial client or buyer of a business. Ludwig confirms that its usage spans various contexts, primarily in news, media, and business settings. The phrase functions as a noun phrase to identify a specific customer and serves the purpose of highlighting a business milestone or providing context in a narrative. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to consider the specific context and tailor the language accordingly to maintain a professional and appropriate tone. Related phrases like ""our initial client"" or ""our earliest adopter"" offer slight variations in meaning, catering to different nuances in business relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our initial client

Replaces "customer" with "client", emphasizing a professional service relationship.

our inaugural customer

Substitutes "first" with "inaugural", adding a sense of formality and importance.

our pioneering client

Uses "pioneering" to highlight the client's role in supporting a new venture.

the first client we acquired

Emphasizes the action of acquiring the client, focusing on the business's perspective.

the first paying customer

Highlights the fact that the customer is paying for the service or product.

our earliest adopter

Focuses on the customer as an early user of a new product or technology.

the first user of our service

Highlights the use of a service, rather than a product purchase.

the first account we landed

Emphasizes the securing of a business account.

our original customer

Uses "original" to emphasize the customer's place in the chronology of the business.

our primary initial customer

Adding "primary" and "initial" to stress importance and timing.

FAQs

How can I use "our first customer" in a sentence?

You can use "our first customer" to highlight an early success, such as, "Our first customer provided valuable feedback that helped us improve our product." or "Securing a contract with them represents a major milestone."

What can I say instead of "our first customer"?

Alternatives include "our initial client", "our inaugural customer", or "our earliest adopter", depending on the context. Each option offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "our first customer"?

Yes, the phrase "our first customer" is grammatically sound and commonly used in business and general contexts to refer to the initial client or buyer.

What's the difference between "our first customer" and "our first client"?

While similar, "customer" typically implies a transaction or purchase, whereas "client" often suggests an ongoing professional service relationship. Using "our first client" emphasizes a service-based interaction.