our very first

USAGE SUMMARY

'our very first' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the first of a thing or event that you are sharing with someone else. For example: "This week marks our very first anniversary together!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is our very first year.

The New York Times - Sports

The 2019/2020 cohort will be our very first.

Yale University

Our very first purchase was two Adirondack chairs.

The New York Times

Our very first holiday together was in 1993.

Independent

We first saw them on our very first campaign trip.

The New York Times

"I did not volunteer it in our very first conversation".

The New York Times

After our very first date, I was sure.

The New York Times - Style

From our very first meeting, I found her fascinating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is our very first live taping of Dear HBR:.

Harvard Business Review

Our very first encounter with this situation came in United States v. Perez, 9 Wheat.

Cornell University

We're excited to announce the recipients of our very first student research grant awards!

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "our very first", consider the audience. This phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "our very first" for insignificant events or items. Reserve it for moments that genuinely mark a notable beginning or achievement to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our very first" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating the initial instance of something shared. It is used to emphasize that something is not only the first but also carries a special significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our very first" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize a shared initial experience. As Ludwig AI has pointed out, it signals the beginning and underscores the importance or uniqueness of that beginning. It’s suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and business settings, though primarily used in informal registers, offering a personal touch while maintaining clarity. When writing, remember to reserve "our very first" for moments that genuinely warrant this emphasis, avoiding overuse in trivial situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our initial

Focuses on the beginning but omits the emphasis of 'very' and 'first'.

our inaugural

Implies a formal beginning or launch; less common in everyday conversation.

our earliest

Highlights the time aspect, referring to what happened furthest back in time.

our debut

Suggests a first public appearance or performance.

our opening

Indicates the start of something, often an event or period.

our premiere

Used when referring to the first showing of a movie, play, or television show.

the genesis of our

More formal, referring to the origin or creation of something.

our maiden

Often used to describe the first voyage of a ship or the first flight of an aircraft.

the inception of our

A formal term for the beginning or start of something.

the dawn of our

More poetic, suggesting the beginning of a new era or period.

FAQs

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

You can use "our very first" to describe a shared initial experience, like "This is "our very first" time visiting this city" or "That was "our very first" project as a team".

What phrases are similar to "our very first"?

Alternatives to "our very first" include "our initial", "our inaugural", or "our debut" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "our very first" in formal writing?

Yes, "our very first" is suitable for formal writing, especially when emphasizing a significant beginning or milestone. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

How does "our very first" differ from "our first"?

Adding "very" to "our first" emphasizes the significance or novelty of the experience or item. It highlights that it's not just the beginning, but a particularly important or memorable one.