the first time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to something happening for the first time. For example: "The first time I tried sushi, I knew I had found my favorite food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first time "G.M.A".

The New York Times

Michael: The first time?

The New York Times

For the second time.

The New York Times

It's like the first time.

The New Yorker

Wouldn't be the first time.

The New York Times

"Not for the first time".

The New Yorker

It's not the first time.

The New York Times

For only the first time.

The New York Times

"No, it's the first time.

The New Yorker

Paula swooned the first time….

The New Yorker

Yourself, the first time around?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of events, use "the first time" to clearly mark the beginning, then use other phrases like "subsequently" or "later" to guide the reader through the timeline.

Common error

Avoid using "the first time" repeatedly in close succession. Instead, vary your language with phrases like "after that", "subsequently", or "on the second occasion" to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when something occurred. Ludwig's examples show it introducing a description of an initial experience or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first time" is a versatile phrase used to mark the start of an experience or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently across various contexts. From news articles to personal anecdotes, "the first time" helps establish a timeline and provides context for subsequent events. Common alternatives include "initially" and "at the beginning". While generally straightforward, it's important to avoid overuse and ensure clarity when employing this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when I first

Establishes a temporal relationship, setting the stage for a description of the initial action or event.

the very first instance

Adds emphasis to the uniqueness and primacy of the occurrence.

upon initial experience

Emphasizes the subjective aspect of a first encounter, adding a layer of personal feeling.

initially

Focuses on the starting point or beginning stage of something, rather than the entire experience.

at the beginning

Highlights the commencement of an event or process, often emphasizing the early stages.

on its debut

Focuses on the presentation or introduction of something new to an audience.

for the inaugural occasion

Implies a more formal or ceremonial start, suitable for events of significance.

the maiden voyage

Evokes a sense of adventure and new beginnings, typically used for ships or journeys.

the opening chapter

Suggests the start of a longer narrative or sequence of events, often used metaphorically.

the premiere

Indicates the very first public performance or showing of a film, play, or other work.

FAQs

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

You can use "the first time" to describe an initial experience or event. For example, "The first time I visited Paris, I fell in love with the city."

What are some alternatives to using "the first time"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "initially", "at the beginning", or "when I first" as alternatives to "the first time".

Is it grammatically correct to say "the first time when"?

While not strictly incorrect, it is often redundant to include "when" after "the first time". It's usually more concise to say "The first time I saw snow..." instead of "The first time when I saw snow...".

What is the difference between "the first time" and "for the first time"?

"The first time" refers to a specific instance or occasion. "For the first time" indicates that something is happening as a new or novel experience. For instance, "The first time I drove a car was nerve-wracking; I drove a car for the first time."