the first time ever

USAGE SUMMARY

"the first time ever" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that happened for the first time or to emphasize the novelty of a situation or experience. For example, "The first time ever I saw your face, I thought my heart would stop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe for the first time ever.

The New York Times

"It's the first time ever," she said.

The New York Times

It was the first time ever.

The Guardian - Sport

"The first time ever," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Is it the first time ever, though?

The Guardian - Business

For the first time ever, I had her complete attention.

The New Yorker

It's the first time ever I've heard something like this.

Independent

I was on time for the first time ever".

The New York Times

For the first time ever, I started watching reality television.

The New York Times

For him, he said, it was the first time ever.

The New York Times - Arts

And for the first time ever, I felt sad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the first time ever", ensure that the context clearly indicates what event or situation you are referring to. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

While "the first time ever" is generally acceptable, it may sound slightly informal in very formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "for the first time" or "never before" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first time ever" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an event or situation occurred. It is used to emphasize the novelty or unprecedented nature of the event. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the first time ever" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that emphasizes the novelty of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, with a neutral to slightly informal tone. While its usage is widespread, remember to consider the formality of your writing context and choose the most appropriate alternative if needed. Highlighting the novelty or surprise is best accomplished with "the first time ever" over a more muted phrase like "for the first time". By keeping these insights in mind, you'll effectively use "the first time ever" and similar expressions to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the very first time

Adds emphasis to the newness of the event.

never before

Highlights the absence of prior occurrences.

for the first occasion

A more formal alternative to "the first time ever".

the inaugural instance

More formal and emphasizes the beginning of something.

a first of its kind

Focuses on the uniqueness and novelty of the event.

unprecedentedly

Emphasizes that something has no historical precedent.

newly

Shorter and more direct, indicating recent occurrence.

a groundbreaking event

Implies that the event is innovative and significant.

at the outset

Highlights the very beginning or start of something.

initially

Focuses on the beginning phase of an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "the first time ever" to emphasize the novelty of an event. For example, "For "the first time", she felt truly happy."

What's a more formal alternative to "the first time ever"?

Alternatives such as "for the first time", "never before", or "on this occasion" can provide a more formal tone.

Is it redundant to say "the first time ever"?

While "the first time" alone implies that something has not happened before, adding "ever" emphasizes the novelty. It's not strictly redundant but adds emotional weight.

When is it best to use "the first time ever" instead of "for the first time"?

Use "the first time ever" when you want to highlight surprise or disbelief that something is just now happening. It adds emphasis that "for the first time" lacks.