the first time round

USAGE SUMMARY

'the first time round' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a first experience or attempt at an activity. For example, "I wasn't sure how to do it the first time round, but now I understand the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hazy memories of Rumours the first time round.

The Guardian - Music

Byrne chuckles at the memory of the first time round.

The Guardian

TO BE fair, it was not entirely their own fault the first time round.

The Economist

The first time round, the charts were full of girls like Duffy, Adele and Amy.

Independent

Not agreeing to go out with my husband the first time round!

Independent

What are your memories of seeing Closer the first time round?

The Guardian

The first time round was sort of forgivable, if you're the forgiving type.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I think I enjoyed it even more than the first time round.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was all for Obama the first time round, and he let me down.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was more of the same old ideas that didn't work the first time round.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Didn't buy Metal Gear Solid Touch the first time 'round?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the first time round" to emphasize a sense of revisiting or repeating an experience, suggesting a comparison between the initial attempt and subsequent ones. It works well when highlighting lessons learned or improvements made.

Common error

While both phrases are acceptable, "the first time round" is more common in British English, whereas "the first time around" is more frequently used in American English. Be mindful of your audience and maintain consistency within your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first time round" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating when something occurred. As confirmed by Ludwig, it denotes the initial occurrence of an event, often implying a comparison with subsequent occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first time round" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the initial attempt or experience of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While generally considered neutral in register, it's more common in British English. When writing, remember to use it to emphasize a sense of revisiting or repeating an experience. As Ludwig's examples indicate, the phrase appears frequently in news and media sources. Consider alternative phrases like "on the first attempt" for more formal settings. Be aware that "the first time around" is a valid alternative, particularly in American English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the first go

A more informal way of saying the first attempt.

the first time through

Similar meaning, but places emphasis on process.

on the first attempt

Focuses on the attempt rather than the broader experience.

at the initial stage

Emphasizes the beginning or starting phase of something.

in the beginning

Highlights the temporal aspect of the first experience.

at the outset

Highlights the very start of an activity or project.

during the first iteration

Implies a process with multiple iterations, often used in technical contexts.

upon its debut

Suitable when referring to the first appearance or introduction of something.

the maiden voyage

Often used metaphorically for the first attempt at something, especially something significant.

in its infancy

Refers to the early stages of development or existence.

FAQs

What does "the first time round" mean?

The phrase "the first time round" means the first attempt or experience of something. It implies that there might be subsequent attempts or experiences to compare it with.

Is "the first time round" formal or informal?

The phrase "the first time round" is generally considered informal but is widely accepted in various contexts, particularly in spoken English and informal writing. In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "on the first attempt" or "initially".

What can I say instead of "the first time round"?

You can use alternatives like "on the first attempt", "initially", or "in the beginning" depending on the context.

Is it "the first time round" or "the first time around"?

Both "the first time round" and "the first time around" are correct, but "the first time round" is more common in British English, while "the first time around" is more prevalent in American English. Choose the one that aligns with your target audience.