the first wave of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first wave of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an initial group or phase of something, often in contexts like trends, movements, or events. Example: "The first wave of immigrants arrived in the country seeking better opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's when the first wave of rental families appeared.

The New Yorker

The first wave of S.O.E.

The New York Times

The first wave of crap.

The New Yorker

The first wave of drivers stared, unconvinced.

The New York Times

Neda joined the first wave of protests.

The Guardian

The first wave of emigration to the New World began.

The New York Times - Books

With that, the first wave of victims' names was released.

The New York Times

They were the first wave of the 9/11 hijackers.

The New Yorker

The first wave of police officers arrived early Sunday morning.

The New Yorker

The first wave of military interrogators was overwhelmed.

The Guardian

Almost immediately the first wave of people arrived.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the first wave of", ensure the context clearly establishes what subsequent waves might entail. This provides a fuller understanding and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the first wave of" when there is no expectation or possibility of subsequent waves. This can create confusion and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first wave of" functions as a determiner phrase identifying the initial part or group within a series or progression. Ludwig examples show it's used to specify the earliest stage of various phenomena, such as protests, reforms, or technological advancements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first wave of" is a versatile phrase used to denote the initial stage or group in a sequence of events, trends, or phenomena. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure the context implies subsequent stages or waves to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternative phrases like "the initial phase of" or "the beginning of" to add variety to your writing. Remember to be mindful of the scope and avoid using it if no subsequent phases are expected. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "the first wave of" to add depth and clarity to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the initial phase of

Replaces 'wave' with 'phase', emphasizing a stage in a process rather than a surge.

the opening stage of

Substitutes 'wave' with 'stage', highlighting the commencement of an event or activity.

the beginning of

A more general term indicating the start of something, lacking the intensity of 'wave'.

the early part of

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the beginning, rather than the dynamic nature of a wave.

the first instance of

Emphasizes the occurrence of something for the first time.

the leading edge of

Suggests being at the forefront or vanguard of a development.

the primary stage of

Highlights the initial and often most important phase.

the dawn of

A more metaphorical expression suggesting the beginning of a new era or trend.

the genesis of

Implies the origin or creation of something.

the onset of

Focuses on the commencement of something, especially something negative or impactful.

FAQs

How can I use "the first wave of" in a sentence?

You can use "the first wave of" to describe the initial group or phase of something, like "The first wave of immigrants arrived seeking new opportunities" or "The first wave of layoffs will occur in December".

What are some alternatives to "the first wave of"?

Alternatives include "the initial phase of", "the opening stage of", or simply "the beginning of", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "the first wave of" and "the second wave of"?

"The first wave of" refers to the initial occurrence, while "the second wave of" refers to a subsequent occurrence. For example, "the first wave of feminism" is distinct from "the second wave of feminism", each representing different periods and priorities in the feminist movement.

When is it appropriate to use "the first wave of"?

Use "the first wave of" when you want to emphasize that something is the initial part of a larger sequence or series of events, trends, or groups. It's suitable when there's an expectation or possibility of subsequent waves or phases.