take a first pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'take a first pass' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a review process or when making a suggestion that something should be done before taking further action on a project. For example, "Let's take a first pass at editing the proposal before sending it to the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

More recently, The Times has used a digital filtering algorithm to take a first pass at some categories of comments and quickly cull offending matter.

The New York Times

This could make translations a lot easier to do because the machine translation tools could take a first pass at the documents, meaning the translator would just have to correct any mistakes instead of starting with a blank screen.

TechCrunch

12 Sigma's technology is being tested in at least 35 hospitals in China, where doctors typically take a first pass on CT images using their eyes, then run them through the 12 Sigma algorithm.

Forbes

The factories know this, but sending the NDA (a) makes you appear serious about your idea and the protection of your IP – which you are and (b) is a handy way to take a first pass at eliminating factories that are not serious about working with you.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Wet your face, apply another thin coat of cream, and take a second pass.

WikiHow

He rose shortly after 6am, made coffee and settled down to work quickly, perhaps after taking a first pass at the crossword.

The Guardian

After establishing the basics, the book discusses general criteria for an adequate theory of meaning, takes a first pass at describing meaning at an abstract level, and distinguishes between meaning and other related phenomena.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Simply explained, after you've taken a first pass at a script for your video, remove half the words.

Forbes

The European Union's executive body, the EC, has taken a first pass at drawing up a strategy to respond to the myriad socio-economic challenges around artificial intelligence technology — including setting out steps intended to boost investment, support education and training, and draw up an ethical and legal framework for steering AI developments by the end of the year.

TechCrunch

The European Union's executive body, the EC, has taken a first pass at drawing up a strategy to respond to the myriad socio-economic challenges around artificial intelligence technology — including setting out steps intended to boost investment, support education and training, and draw up an ethical and legal framework for steering AI developments by the end of the year.

TechCrunch

Also, it took a second pass to achieve these results.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take a first pass", follow it with an explanation of what the 'first pass' entails or its purpose.

Common error

Don't treat the results of a "first pass" as final. Always plan for subsequent reviews or revisions to ensure thoroughness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a first pass" functions as a multi-word verb, indicating the action of performing an initial review or attempt. As noted by Ludwig, it suggests that the action is a preliminary step, with the expectation of further refinement or action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a first pass" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an initial review, attempt, or action, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's widely used across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. The phrase implies that additional refinements or steps are expected after this initial effort. Alternatives like "make a preliminary review" or "conduct an initial assessment" can be used depending on the level of formality required. While the expression is useful for setting expectations, it's important not to treat the "first pass" as the final word and to plan for thoroughness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a preliminary review

Replaces "take a first pass" with more formal language emphasizing the review aspect.

perform an initial check

Highlights the verification aspect.

conduct an initial assessment

Uses stronger verbs to suggest a formal evaluation.

create an initial version

Focuses on the creation of an early version.

draft initially

Focuses on creating a first version or draft.

take preliminary steps

Highlights the preparatory nature of the action.

do a quick run-through

Emphasizes speed and lack of depth.

do a first sweep

Suggests a broad but superficial scan.

give a once-over

Informal, meaning to examine quickly.

scan briefly

Emphasizes brevity of the review.

FAQs

What does "take a first pass" mean?

To "take a first pass" means to make an initial attempt or review of something, with the understanding that further refinements or actions will follow.

How can I use "take a first pass" in a sentence?

You can say, "Let's "take a first pass" at the budget proposal to identify any major issues before the meeting".

What are some alternatives to saying "take a first pass"?

Alternatives include phrases like "make a preliminary review", "conduct an initial assessment", or "do a quick run-through".

In what context is it appropriate to use the expression "take a first pass"?

This expression is fitting in professional and academic environments when discussing drafts, reviews, or initial attempts that require further work.