the first example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first example" is grammatically correct and can be used in any type of written English.
For example: "I will now give you the first example of the theory I'm discussing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take the first example.

The New Yorker

The State Department is the first example.

The New York Times

The first example is Russia.

The New York Times

The first example is called parameter identification.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

The first example didn't have it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is the first example of vapour enantioselective permeation.

Polymer

It is the first example of copolymer fractionation by CPF.

Polymer

The first example is an agitator/mixer scale-up.

Chemical Projects Scale Up How to Go from Laboratory to Commercial

The first example deals with the characterization of receptors.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

In the first example, is it 1.2 times x squared?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is the first example of a non-parametric method.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your introductory phrases. While "the first example" is clear, use alternatives like "to begin with" or "for starters" to make your writing more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "the first example" when you only intend to provide a single example. In such cases, a simple "for example" or "an example is" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first example" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling the beginning of a series of illustrations or points. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first example" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce an initial illustration or point in a series. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts like Science, News & Media and Academia. To enhance writing, vary your introductory phrases, and ensure its use aligns with the intention of presenting multiple examples. Be aware of common mistakes like using it when only one example is needed. By considering these insights, you can effectively and appropriately use "the first example" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial instance

Replaces "example" with "instance" while keeping the ordinal adjective, focusing on the occurrence.

a prime example

Replaces "first" with "prime", emphasizing the quality of the example rather than its order.

a classic case

Substitutes "example" with "case", highlighting a typical or well-known instance.

to begin with

Offers a direct and simple way to introduce the first in a series of points or examples.

the inaugural demonstration

Uses more formal vocabulary, substituting "first" with "inaugural" and "example" with "demonstration".

the foremost illustration

Replaces "first" with "foremost" and "example" with "illustration", emphasizing the importance of the example.

in the first place

Highlights that the stated example is the primary or most important consideration.

for starters

Provides a more casual alternative to introduce an initial point or example.

initially

A concise adverbial alternative to introduce the beginning of a discussion with an example.

as an opening gambit

Presents a more strategic approach, suggesting the example is the initial move in an argument or explanation.

FAQs

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

"The first example" is typically used to introduce the initial item in a series of illustrations or points. For instance, "The first example of this phenomenon is the behavior of honeybees."

What phrases are similar to "the first example"?

Similar phrases include "to begin with", "for starters", or "an initial instance". These can be used to introduce the opening point or illustration.

Is it redundant to say "the first example"?

No, it's not redundant when you are planning to provide multiple examples. It clearly indicates that it's the first in a sequence. If you're only giving one example, consider using "an example" instead.

What's the difference between "the first example" and "a first example"?

"The first example" implies a specific, ordered sequence of examples. "A first example" suggests one of potentially many initial examples, but without a defined order or series.