since the first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "since the first" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific starting point in time, often in relation to an event or occurrence. Example: "Since the first day of the project, we have made significant progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(20 00) since the first book.

Princeton University

Since the first inventory (1972) we have made four more.

Forest Ecology and Management

Returns seconds elapsed since the first call to this function.

Stanford University

But the car was competitive since the first lap".

The New York Times - Sports

But much has changed since the first tourists sailed here.

Independent

Sixteen years have passed since the first free elections here.

The New York Times

I've loved you since the first day I met ya.

Independent

It had been five months since the first letter.

The New York Times - Magazine

They have been friends at O.E.S. since the first grade.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tells about the upswing since the first of the year.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A&M hasn't scored since the first quarter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "since the first" to clearly indicate a starting point for a duration or sequence of events. This helps in establishing a timeline or tracking progress.

Common error

Avoid using "since the first" when you intend to describe a recurring event without a clear starting point. Instead, opt for phrases like "from the beginning" or specify a more general timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since the first" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a time frame. It specifies the starting point from which an event, condition, or action has been ongoing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and wide use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "since the first" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that establishes a temporal reference point. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, academic, and scientific domains. To ensure clarity, avoid using it in contexts lacking a clear starting point; consider alternatives like "from the beginning" or "since inception" when appropriate. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively employ "since the first" to convey duration and continuity in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

since the start

This alternative is shorter and emphasizes the beginning of an action or event.

from the beginning

This alternative is a more general way of expressing the starting point, without necessarily referring to a specific first instance.

from day one

This alternative highlights the immediate start, often emphasizing consistency or intensity.

since inception

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the origin or commencement of something.

from the outset

This alternative emphasizes the initial stage or start of an activity or period.

ever since the beginning

This alternative emphasizes the continuity from the start to the present.

following the initial

This alternative highlights the sequence of events, focusing on what came after the initial event.

after the primary

This alternative stresses the sequence of events, concentrating on happenings after the primary one.

subsequent to the original

This is a more formal alternative that emphasizes the time following the original occurrence.

from the get-go

This alternative is informal and emphasizes the immediate start of something.

FAQs

How can I use "since the first" in a sentence?

Use "since the first" to indicate a duration or sequence of events that began at a specific starting point. For instance, "We have been working on this project since the first day of the year".

What can I say instead of "since the first"?

You can use alternatives like "from the beginning", "since inception", or "from the outset" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "since the first time" or "since the first"?

Both are correct, but "since the first" is more concise. "Since the first time" is useful when emphasizing a repeated event. Use Ludwig to compare more alternatives.

What's the difference between "since the first" and "from the start"?

"Since the first" often implies a specific starting point with a continuing action, while "from the start" is a more general reference to the beginning.