the first to arrive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first to arrive" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it anytime you need to describe someone who is the first to arrive somewhere or to do something. For example, "My brother was the first to arrive at the restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Iranians were the first to arrive.

The New York Times

I was the first to arrive.

The Guardian - Books

The first to arrive worked as fruit peddlers.

The New York Times - Food

"We're the first to arrive from the church".

The New Yorker

Richardson, Marbury and David Lee were the first to arrive.

The New York Times - Sports

Fifteen minutes early, she was among the first to arrive.

The New York Times

Edward and Jo were the first to arrive.

The Guardian - Arts

Osama bin Laden was one of the first to arrive.

The New Yorker

Henry Strongin Goldberg was the first to arrive in Minneapolis.

The New York Times - Magazine

Anton's secretary, Delilah, was the first to arrive.

The New Yorker

The first to arrive are usually the local emergency workers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the first to arrive" to clearly indicate priority or precedence in a sequence of events or arrivals. It effectively establishes who or what came before others.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses with "the first to arrive". Ensure the tense aligns with the context. For example, use "was the first to arrive" for past events and "will be the first to arrive" for future events, rather than inconsistently mixing tenses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first to arrive" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or appositive, identifying the individual or entity that initiated an action or presence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and easily integrated into sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first to arrive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the earliest arrival at a location or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correctness makes it easy to incorporate into various writing styles. Its neutral register and widespread usage across news, media, and general contexts demonstrate its versatility. Remembering usage tips, such as maintaining tense agreement, and considering synonyms like "earliest arrival" can enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before anyone else

Highlights exclusivity of the arrival time.

earliest arrival

Focuses on the timing of the arrival rather than the person arriving.

initial arrival

Emphasizes that it is the very beginning, with a more formal tone.

primary arrival

Focuses on the order or relevance of the arriving event.

among the early arrivals

Indicates being part of a group that arrived before others, not necessarily the absolute first.

prompt arrival

Highlights the speed and punctuality of the arrival.

first one there

More informal and conversational, emphasizing location.

leading the way

Suggests pioneering or taking initiative, implying a broader context than just arriving.

at the forefront

Highlights being in a prominent position at the beginning, often in a figurative sense.

ahead of the crowd

Focuses on being earlier than a large group, emphasizing the contrast.

FAQs

How can I use "the first to arrive" in a sentence?

You can use "the first to arrive" to indicate who or what was earliest at a specific place or event. For example, "She was "the first to arrive" at the meeting".

What is a synonym for "the first to arrive"?

Alternatives include "earliest arrival", "initial arrival", or "before anyone else", depending on the context.

How does "the first to arrive" compare to "one of the first to arrive"?

"The first to arrive" indicates being the single, earliest arrival. "One of the first to arrive" suggests being among a small group of early arrivals, without specifying exact order.

Is it correct to say "the first arriving" instead of "the first to arrive"?

While "the first arriving" might be understood, "the first to arrive" is more grammatically standard and widely accepted. The infinitive form clarifies purpose or intention.