the first word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first word" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about the first word of a sentence, paragraph, phrase, or quote. For example, "The first word of this sentence is 'the'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first word is Holy.

The New York Times - Arts

The first word she wrote was "Democrat".

The New York Times - Magazine

The first word produced the first pun.

The New Yorker

For now, you get the first word.

The New York Times

The first word is profane.

The New York Times - Magazine

Fear of the first word..

The Guardian - Books

The first word is substance.

The Guardian

The first word was "pestle".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Capitalize the first word and proper nouns.

Cornell University

"Lonely is the first word that comes to mind".

The New York Times

The first word that comes to mind is funereal".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing text, always consider the impact and context of "the first word" as it often sets the tone and direction for the entire piece.

Common error

Don't underestimate the power of "the first word"; ensure it aligns with your intended message and target audience. A poorly chosen first word can confuse or mislead the reader from the start.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first word" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object to identify or refer to the initial word in a sequence, sentence, or text. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first word" serves as a crucial element in communication, highlighting the initial component of a text or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and highlights its prevalent use in diverse contexts such as news, academia, and general writing. The phrase carries a neutral register and functions to emphasize the significance of beginnings. When composing text, writers are advised to consider the impact of "the first word" in setting tone and direction, avoiding underestimation of its potential influence. Related phrases like "the opening word" and "the initial term" offer alternative ways to express this concept. With guidance on best practices and common errors, writers can confidently employ "the first word" to enhance their message effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the opening word

Focuses on the act of beginning a text or speech.

the starting word

Directly indicates the beginning of something, simple and clear.

the primary word

Focuses on the fundamental or most important aspect of the word being first.

the initial term

Emphasizes the beginning of a defined set or sequence, often in a formal context.

the introductory word

Highlights the role of setting the stage or providing context.

the foremost word

Highlights precedence and can imply importance.

the premier word

Implies importance or superiority, suitable when the first word carries significant weight.

the leading word

Suggests direction or guidance provided by the first word.

the top word

Emphasizes a hierarchical structure where the word is at the peak.

the head word

Used in linguistics to describe the main word in a phrase.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "the first word" in a sentence?

Use "the first word" to draw attention to the initial element of a phrase or statement, emphasizing its importance or role in setting the context. For example, "The first word of the sentence should grab the reader's attention."

What's a good alternative to using "the first word"?

Depending on the context, you could use "the initial word", "the opening word", or "the starting word" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "the first word" or "the initial word"?

Both "the first word" and "the initial word" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Why is "the first word" important in writing?

"The first word" often sets the tone, introduces the subject, or provides the initial context for the reader. Choosing the right first word can significantly impact the effectiveness and clarity of your writing.