the first comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial remark or feedback made in a discussion, post, or thread. Example: "I appreciate the first comment on my blog post; it really sparked a great conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

(For video, see the first comment).

The New York Times

So glad to read the first comment.

Harvard University

About five minutes later, the first comment landed.

The New York Times

"This is identity theft," read the first comment I saw.

The Guardian - Tech

Robert, I sincerely hope you take time to digest the first comment by Mr. St.

University of California, Berkeley

For this discussion, we've asked our new college intern, Susannah, to post the first comment.

The New York Times

"Of course there should be alternatives to college," the first comment began.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

After days of silence, the first comments about the case have emerged from Saudi Arabia.

The New York Times

That began with the first comments from Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio), the committee's ranking Republican.

The Washington Post

In 1880, Dr. Henry Faulds published the first comments, in the scientific journal Nature, on the use of fingerprints to solve crimes.

The New Yorker

The first comments on the blog came in response to an article about the crackdown in Russia under Mr. Putin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific person's initial comment, attribute it to them for clarity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the context or platform where the comment was made. For example, say "the first comment on the blog post" instead of just "the first comment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first comment" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the initial response in a conversation or discussion. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various platforms, from blog posts to online articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

14%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first comment" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the initial remark in a discussion or thread. As analyzed by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. The phrase is generally neutral in register and serves to identify the opening contribution for analysis or response. While widely used, it's important to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "initial comment" or "opening remark" can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. Ludwig's analysis confirms its versatile applicability across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial comment

Replaces "first" with "initial", emphasizing the beginning.

opening comment

Substitutes "first" with "opening", focusing on the act of initiating the discussion.

introductory remark

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression.

premier comment

Uses "premier" instead of "first", adding a sense of importance.

lead comment

Emphasizes the leading nature of the first comment.

inaugural comment

A more formal alternative to "first comment".

starting comment

Focuses on the beginning of the comment thread.

initial reaction

Shifts the focus to the response rather than the comment itself.

opening statement

Implies a more formal and structured beginning.

primary feedback

Highlights the comment as the main feedback.

FAQs

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

You can use "the first comment" to refer to the initial feedback or remark in a discussion, post, or thread. For example: "I found the suggestion in "the first comment" particularly helpful."

What are some alternatives to saying "the first comment"?

Alternatives include "initial comment", "opening comment", or "introductory remark", depending on the desired level of formality and the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "the first comment"?

While grammatically correct, using "the first comment" can be confusing if the context isn't clear. Always ensure that your audience knows which "first comment" you are referring to.

What makes "the first comment" significant in online discussions?

The "first comment" can set the tone for the entire discussion, influencing subsequent responses and shaping the overall conversation. It is often seen as an opportunity to establish a viewpoint or direction.