the first occurrence of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first occurrence of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the initial instance of something happening or being mentioned. For example: - The first occurrence of the word "hello" in the book appears on page 15. - It wasn't until the fifth attempt that she finally succeeded, but the first occurrence of success was a small victory nonetheless. - The first occurrence of rain in months brought much-needed relief to the drought-stricken town.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And is it true that the same novel features the first occurrence of the phrase "the great unwashed"?

The Guardian - Books

The Chamonix Games were the first occurrence of the Winter Olympic Games.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This seems to be the first occurrence of negative numbers in the history of mathematics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may also be the first occurrence of an entirely new disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The base of each zone is defined by the first occurrence of the taxon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, the Silurian-Devonian boundary is anchored to the first occurrence of specific index fossils.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This paper thus reports the first occurrence of topological isomerism among the 2D tessellations.

Solid State Sciences

Only an initial increase was observed that coincided with the first occurrence of the related dipeptides.

AMB Express

These can be set to alert you upon the first occurrence of a bug, every time, or only when there's an unusual spike in activity.

TechCrunch

Table 2 shows multivariate models for the first occurrence of ideation in the sample of persons with DSM disorders and the first occurrence of a plan or an attempt in the subsample of ideators.

Injury Epidemiology

However, only a few studies have examined when the risk for the first occurrence of TDV is greatest.

Preventive Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the first occurrence of", ensure that the context clearly defines what event or phenomenon is being referenced. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the first occurrence of" without clearly specifying what is occurring. For example, instead of saying 'The first occurrence of issues was noted', specify 'The first occurrence of network outages was noted'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first occurrence of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, specifying that what follows is the initial instance of something. Ludwig examples show it is used to pinpoint the start of a specific event, condition, or phenomenon. It provides crucial information about timing and sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

News & Media

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first occurrence of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that pinpoints the initial instance of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Predominantly found in formal and scientific writing, this phrase serves to establish a clear reference point. While alternatives like "the initial instance of" exist, clarity and specificity are key when employing this phrase. Its high frequency and consistent application across various sources underscore its importance in precise communication. The phrase's widespread presence indicates its integral role in establishing a reference point and defining the start in many academic fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the initial instance of

This alternative directly replaces "occurrence" with "instance" and "first" with "initial", keeping the meaning virtually identical. The nuance added is a more specific focus on the act or event itself.

the inaugural appearance of

Here, "first" becomes "inaugural" and "occurrence" changes to "appearance", emphasizing the beginning or introduction of something.

the debut of

This option uses a more concise and evocative term, "debut", which refers specifically to a first public appearance or showing. The core concept remains the same.

the beginning of

This phrase focuses on the start of a period or process, rather than a single event. The meaning is slightly broader, encompassing a range of initial stages.

the onset of

This choice implies the beginning of something, often something negative, like a disease or problem. The focus is on the commencement of an undesirable state.

the emergence of

This alternative highlights the coming into being or visibility of something new. The meaning is close to the original but emphasizes the novel aspect.

the origination of

This phrase is more formal and stresses the origin or source of something. It's a stronger emphasis on the beginning point.

the genesis of

Similar to "origination", this term implies the creation or birth of something. It carries a more significant connotation of development or evolution.

the dawn of

This metaphorical option evokes the start of a new era or period. It's less precise but adds a sense of significance and potential.

the kickoff of

This option brings in an energetic sports metaphor that means 'the very beginning of'.

FAQs

How can I use "the first occurrence of" in a sentence?

Use "the first occurrence of" to indicate the initial instance of an event or phenomenon, like in the sentence: "The study focused on the factors leading to "the first occurrence of" symptoms."

What is a more formal synonym for "the first occurrence of"?

A more formal alternative to "the first occurrence of" is "the initial instance of", which emphasizes the beginning in a more sophisticated manner.

How does "the first occurrence of" differ from "the beginning of"?

"The first occurrence of" refers to a specific event happening for the first time, while "the beginning of" refers to the start of a process, period, or state. For example, "the first occurrence of rain" is a single event, whereas "the beginning of the rainy season" is a period of time.

Is "the first occurrence of" always the same as "the earliest occurrence of"?

Yes, "the first occurrence of" and "the earliest occurrence of" are generally interchangeable, both referring to the initial instance. However, "the earliest occurrence of" might slightly emphasize the timing aspect.