the first thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an initial idea or impression that comes to mind regarding a particular topic or situation. Example: "When I heard the news, my first thought was to call my friend and share the information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The first thought engendered the first afterthought.

The New Yorker

Well, that's the first thought.

The Guardian

"The first thought is my daughter.

The Guardian - Music

That was the first thought that came to mind".

The Guardian

For simpletons like me, the first thought might be: "Eek!

The Guardian - Books

The first thought, anyway, is not, Are there bombs around me?

The New Yorker

The first thought is, Was anyone I know running in or watching the race?

The New Yorker

The first thought in my head was of John-John Kennedy.

The New York Times

"The first thought I had was, 'We'll be back,' but it didn't happen.

The New York Times - Sports

"Coming back from Amsterdam, the first thought was just to understand my city again," he said.

The New Yorker

The first thought in Mr. Schneider's mind was how to keep his tenants safe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's immediate reaction to an unexpected event, use "the first thought" to clearly convey the initial impulse or idea that came to mind.

Common error

Avoid using "the first thought" when you intend to describe a well-considered opinion or a conclusion reached after careful deliberation. "The first thought" should represent an immediate, often instinctive reaction, not a reasoned judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first thought" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the initial idea or reaction that comes to mind. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is commonly used to introduce a spontaneous or immediate response to a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first thought" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express an immediate reaction or initial idea. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is important to use it appropriately to denote a spontaneous response rather than a fully formed opinion. Consider alternatives like "initial reaction" or "immediate impression" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial reaction

Focuses on the immediate response, emphasizing the emotional or instinctive aspect.

immediate impression

Highlights the initial feeling or perception formed upon encountering something.

primary consideration

Emphasizes the most important factor taken into account initially.

first inclination

Suggests an initial tendency or leaning towards a particular course of action.

original idea

Focuses on the starting point of a thought process or plan.

first inkling

Indicates a vague or subtle initial awareness.

initial assessment

Emphasizes the first evaluation or judgment made.

preliminary notion

Highlights the early and potentially undeveloped nature of the thought.

starting point

Focuses on the origin or beginning of a line of reasoning or discussion.

initial concept

Stresses the rudimentary or foundational idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "the first thought" to describe an immediate reaction or initial idea. For example, "The first thought I had was to call for help."

What are some alternatives to "the first thought"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "initial reaction", "immediate impression", or "primary consideration".

Is it better to say "first thought" or "the first thought"?

While "first thought" can be used, "the first thought" is often preferred when referring to a specific initial reaction or idea in a given situation. "First thought" without "the" tends to be more general.

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

"The first thought" refers to a specific, often singular, initial reaction in a particular context. "A first thought" implies one of many possible initial ideas or reactions and is less specific.