the first attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the first attempt' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to any kind of initial try or effort. For example, "The first attempt at solving the problem was unsuccessful, so we had to try again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first attempt failed.

The New York Times

And all at the first attempt, too.

Independent

He succeeded at the first attempt.

Independent

The first attempt was only modestly successful.

The New Yorker

Applicants must pass USMLE Step 1 on the first attempt.

Yale University

Passed USMLE Step I & II on the first attempt.

Yale University

Fifty sites were successfully repaired endoscopically on the first attempt.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

This was the first attempt to pultrude this material.

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing

Here we present the first attempt to fill this gap.

Growth Hormone & IGF Research

And this is not the first attempt to map them.

The New York Times

The first attempt at bike-sharing did not work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of actions, use "the first attempt" to clearly indicate the initial effort before moving on to subsequent attempts or outcomes. For instance, "The first attempt to launch the rocket failed, but the second attempt was successful."

Common error

Ensure clarity by specifying what constitutes an "attempt". Avoid using "the first attempt" without providing context about the action or process being attempted, as this can leave the reader wondering what exactly is being referred to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first attempt" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a particular attempt out of potentially multiple attempts. Ludwig examples confirm its role in introducing an initial effort, setting the stage for subsequent actions or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

47%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first attempt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to designate the initial effort in a sequence of actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It appears most commonly in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing context about what is being attempted. Consider using alternatives such as "initial try" or "maiden effort" for nuanced expression. This phrase is very common according to the examples provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial try

Focuses on the action of trying, highlighting the starting nature of the effort.

maiden effort

Implies a new or original undertaking, suggesting a fresh endeavor.

inaugural endeavor

Emphasizes the formal or significant nature of the initial undertaking.

debut effort

Highlights the introductory aspect of the effort, often used in creative or performance contexts.

preliminary attempt

Stresses the exploratory nature of the effort, suggesting further attempts may follow.

opening gambit

Conveys the sense of a strategic move at the beginning of an activity or negotiation.

test run

Implies a trial or experiment to assess the feasibility of something.

pilot study

Highlights the experimental and exploratory nature of the initial effort, typically in a research context.

trial balloon

Suggests an initial action to gauge public reaction or acceptance.

first shot

Indicates the initial opportunity or chance to achieve a goal.

FAQs

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

Use "the first attempt" to introduce an initial try at something. For example, "The first attempt to climb the mountain was challenging due to bad weather".

What are some alternatives to "the first attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "initial try", "maiden effort", or "preliminary attempt" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the first attempt" or "the initial attempt"?

Both "the first attempt" and "the initial attempt" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "the first attempt" versus "a first attempt"?

Use "the first attempt" when referring to a specific, already established attempt. Use "a first attempt" when introducing the idea of an initial try in a more general sense.