the first clue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first clue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initial piece of information or evidence in a mystery, puzzle, or investigation. Example: "The first clue in the treasure hunt was hidden under the old oak tree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first clue came from geography.

The New Yorker

— The first clue was the view.

The New York Times - Sports

That was the first clue".

The New York Times - Books

The first clue was provided by moles.

The Guardian

More often, fatalities are the first clue.

The New York Times - Health

The volcano is the first clue.

The New York Times - Travel

The first clue is the format.

The Guardian

The first clue lies in language.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The first clue was the soil itself.

The New York Times

1a indicates the first clue pair and the first clue in the pair, 1b indicates the second.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Do you remember the first clue you solved or wrote?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the first clue" to introduce key evidence or insights that shape your argument or analysis. It provides a clear starting point and establishes a logical progression of ideas.

Common error

Avoid overstating the significance of "the first clue" if it ultimately proves misleading or irrelevant. Acknowledge its limitations and contextualize its role within the larger narrative to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first clue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI suggests that it identifies the initial piece of information or evidence in a sequence of discoveries. Examples show it introducing a key detail that sparks further investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first clue" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce the initial piece of information or evidence in a discovery process. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and offers "the initial hint", "the primary indication" and "the opening lead" as alternatives. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, its function is to signal the start of an investigation or narrative. When using "the first clue", avoid overstating its importance if it proves to be misleading. Remember, it's a starting point, not necessarily the ultimate solution. Using it correctly can effectively engage your audience and guide them through your line of reasoning. Ludwig shows its frequency and broad applicability solidify its place as a useful and versatile phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the initial hint

Replaces "first clue" with a synonym that suggests a subtle or indirect indication.

the primary indication

Uses "primary indication" to emphasize the importance of the initial piece of information.

the opening lead

Employs "opening lead" to convey the idea of starting an investigation or inquiry.

the starting point

Suggests the beginning of a discovery process.

the preliminary evidence

Highlights the role of early evidence in forming a conclusion.

the original sign

Replaces "clue" with "sign" to mean something that indicates the presence or likely existence of something else.

the foremost indicator

Uses "foremost indicator" to stress the importance and predictive power of the initial clue.

the earliest signal

Implies that the clue is an early warning or indication of something to come.

the emergent detail

Suggests that the clue gradually becomes apparent or noticeable.

the nascent signal

Similar to 'the earliest signal' but emphasizes the beginning stage of the clue's appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "the first clue" to introduce the initial piece of evidence or information in a mystery, investigation, or problem-solving scenario. For example, "The first clue was a torn piece of paper".

What are some alternatives to using "the first clue"?

Alternatives include "the initial hint", "the primary indication", or "the opening lead", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "the first clue" in formal writing?

Yes, "the first clue" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in contexts where you are analyzing evidence, presenting findings, or discussing investigative processes. Its clarity and directness make it suitable for various professional and academic settings.

What if "the first clue" turns out to be a red herring?

Even if "the first clue" is misleading, it's still accurate to refer to it as such initially. Later in your writing, you can clarify that it was a false lead or misdirection. For example, "The first clue was promising but ultimately irrelevant".