the first draft of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first draft of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial version of a document, manuscript, or piece of writing that is subject to further revision and editing. Example: "I just finished the first draft of my novel, and I'm excited to start the editing process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

wrote the first draft of the paper.

Nature

If journalism is the first draft of history, live blogging is the first draft of journalism.

The Guardian

The first draft of the pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.

Data in Brief

Pictured above is the first draft of this essay.

Columbia University

That was the first draft of the book.

Stanford University

Here is the first draft of my typology.

Stanford University

D.Y. wrote the first draft of the paper.

Nature

D.J.R.T. wrote the first draft of the paper.

Nature

Q.X. and H.J. wrote the first draft of the manuscript.

Nature

All authors outlined the first draft of the manuscript.

Nature

Y.L. and S.M. wrote the first draft of this manuscript.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that the first draft is a starting point. Focus on getting your ideas down, and don't worry too much about perfection at this stage.

Common error

Avoid treating "the first draft of" your work as the definitive version. Always revise and edit for clarity, accuracy, and coherence. The first draft is a foundation to build upon, not the finished structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first draft of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies the initial version of something, like a document or plan. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used in academic writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first draft of" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that signifies the initial version of something, typically a document or manuscript. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and finds frequent application across diverse contexts, notably in science, news media, and academic writing. When writing, remember that it sets the stage for further revisions and refinements, and avoid treating it as the final product. Alternatives such as "the initial version of" or "the preliminary draft of" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the initial version of

Replaces 'draft' with 'version' and 'first' with 'initial', focusing on the stage of development.

the preliminary draft of

Adds 'preliminary' to emphasize the unfinished nature of the draft.

the original version of

Substitutes 'first' with 'original', highlighting the starting point.

the early version of

Replaces 'first' with 'early' to indicate a stage in time.

the rough draft of

Emphasizes the unrefined nature of the initial draft.

the working draft of

Highlights the ongoing development of the draft.

the first iteration of

Uses 'iteration' to refer to a version in a cyclical process.

the baseline version of

Focuses on a starting point, particularly in technical contexts.

the prototype of

Implies that the draft is a model for further development.

the blueprint for

Suggests the draft is a plan or guide for something more complex.

FAQs

How can I improve "the first draft of" my manuscript?

Focus on structure and core arguments first. Ensure your main ideas are clear before refining the language. Consider seeking feedback from others to identify areas for improvement.

What's the difference between "the first draft of" a manuscript and the final version?

"The first draft of" a manuscript is the initial version, focused on getting ideas down. The final version has been revised, edited, and polished for clarity, coherence, and accuracy.

What should I focus on when reviewing "the first draft of" a paper?

Concentrate on the overall organization, the strength of your arguments, and the completeness of your research. Don't get bogged down in minor details like grammar or style at this stage.

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

You can use alternatives like "the initial version of", "the preliminary draft of", or "the rough draft of" depending on the context.