the first of its type

USAGE SUMMARY

"the first of its type" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that something is the first of its kind or the original of a particular type. For example, "The first car invented was the first of its type, and its design set a precedent for all modern cars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although this study is the first of its type, it has some limitations.

BMC Nephrology

The service is not the first of its type, but it is less expensive than LastWishes.com, which not only transmits post-mortem e-mail messages but lets the user communicate about details like burial arrangements and financial disbursements.

The New York Times

Because the venture is formed as a business, it is the first of its type in the nation, the partners said.

The New York Times

Staff at the South Lakes Wild Animal Park at Dalton-in-Furness believe it is the first of its type to be born in the UK.

BBC

Jim Bankoff, Vox's chief executive, said in a phone interview that the partnership was the first of its type for the company and would allow it to expand its offerings to advertisers.

The New York Times

The mistake is not the first of its type.

The New York Times - Arts

The department, which opened in 1996, was the first of its type in Westchester.

The New York Times

Northfield's application was the first of its type to reach the F.D.A.

The New York Times

The sale had been the first of its type in London to have three works estimated at more than £10m.

The Guardian - Arts

This experiment is not the first of its type, and the male desire to better understand labour is hardly new.

The Guardian - Opinion

The action is believed the first of its type taken by and educational institution in this country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, provide specific context about what makes the subject "the first of its type". This adds clarity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "the first of its type" without properly defining the 'type'. Ensure the category is well-defined and the subject genuinely fits that definition to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first of its type" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that the noun is the original or earliest example of a particular category. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first of its type" is a descriptive phrase used to denote originality and precedence. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what constitutes the 'type' to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "unprecedented" or "pioneering" can be considered depending on the intended nuance. Always aim for clear, specific language to maximize the impact of the statement. It is crucial to back up claims of being "the first of its type" with evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first of a kind

A more literal rephrasing.

unprecedented

Stresses the absence of similar occurrences in the past.

pioneering

Highlights the act of initiating or leading the way.

the only one of its kind

Emphasizes singularity and exclusivity.

groundbreaking

Focuses on the innovative nature.

trailblazing

Implies creating a new path or approach.

original

Emphasizes the novelty and lack of prior instances.

novel

Highlights the newness and uniqueness.

unique

Focuses on the distinctiveness and unparalleled nature.

inaugural

Suggests the beginning or commencement of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "the first of its type" to describe something that is the original or pioneer in its category. For example, "This invention is the first of its type to address this specific problem".

What are some alternatives to "the first of its type"?

Alternatives include "unprecedented", "groundbreaking", or "pioneering". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "the first of its type"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is an original or has no predecessors in a particular category. Ensure that your claim is accurate and supported by evidence.

Is "one of the first of its type" grammatically correct?

Yes, "one of the first of its type" is grammatically correct. It indicates that the subject is among the earliest examples of its kind, rather than being the absolute first.