the first opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

"the first opportunity" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the earliest opportunity to do something. For example, "I plan to take the first opportunity to finish my essay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Trotters carved out the first opportunity.

Independent

Francisco, of course, fled at the first opportunity.

The New Yorker

The first opportunity will come during the early, televised debates.

The New York Times

I hitchhiked to L.A. at the first opportunity.

The New Yorker

The first opportunity is at the World Championships in July.

Independent

Most of his soldiers surrendered at the first opportunity.

The Economist

"I was just trying to grab the first opportunity".

The New York Times - Sports

Morgan will have the first opportunity to make an impact.

The Guardian - Sport

And anyway, he took it back at the first opportunity.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Make a U-turn at the first opportunity," she says.

The Guardian

We must have dashed off at the first opportunity.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the first opportunity" when you want to emphasize the immediacy or priority of taking action as soon as a chance arises. It clearly communicates a sense of urgency or readiness.

Common error

Avoid using "the first opportunity" when a more specific or nuanced phrase would better convey the intended meaning. For example, if the situation calls for careful consideration rather than immediate action, a phrase like "after careful review" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first opportunity" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to indicate when an action will occur. It specifies the timing of an event, emphasizing immediacy, as evidenced by Ludwig AI who considers it grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first opportunity" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that indicates a commitment to act promptly. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequent appearance in diverse sources like The New York Times, BBC and scientific publications highlights its versatility. Whether describing a strategic business move or personal resolve, understanding its nuances allows for clear and effective communication. Remembering that it suggests readiness, it may be worth exploring synonyms like "the earliest chance" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the very first chance

Strengthens the original statement by adding emphasis with the word "very".

the first chance available

Adds extra emphasis that the initial chance is available right now.

the earliest chance

Emphasizes the timing, highlighting that the chance is available as soon as possible.

the initial moment

Focuses on the start of a specific timeframe, implying the very beginning when action can be taken.

the foremost possibility

Highlights that this option is the most prominent or important one available at the start.

the prime occasion

Suggests that this is the best or most suitable time to do something.

the opening act

Uses a metaphorical expression to refer to the beginning or start of something, a figurative chance.

the inaugural window

Implies that this chance is the beginning of a series of opportunities.

the introductory phase

Stresses the beginning of a process where an opportunity is present.

the starting point

Indicates the genesis or beginning from which action can proceed.

FAQs

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

You can use "the first opportunity" to indicate a readiness to act. For instance, "I will address the issue at "the first opportunity"" means you will tackle it as soon as possible.

What is a synonym for "the first opportunity"?

A synonym for "the first opportunity" is "the earliest chance". Both highlight the importance of immediate action.

How does "the first opportunity" differ from "a later opportunity"?

"The first opportunity" stresses immediacy, while "a later opportunity" implies that action can wait. Choosing between them depends on the urgency and timing of the task.

Is it always best to seize "the first opportunity"?

Not necessarily. While seizing "the first opportunity" can show initiative, it's crucial to evaluate whether immediate action is appropriate or if more information or preparation is needed.