the very first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very first" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the first instance of something, and can be used in many contexts. For example, "The very first time I visited the museum, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to come back to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The very first date.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The very first.

The Guardian

She attended the very first Kinkaid School.

The New York Times

Overheard at the very first Antheil concert.

The New Yorker

I got pregnant the very first time.

The New York Times

But were they the very first?

The New York Times

WHICH WAS THE very first video game?

The Economist

After the very first compound, I knew".

The New Yorker

The very first one read: Really, Guardian?

The Guardian

The very first death, in the very first episode.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"On the very first day!" she exclaimed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very first" to emphasize the significance of a beginning or the initial occurrence of an event or action. For example, "This is the very first time I've seen snow."

Common error

Avoid using "the very first" with other superlatives (e.g., "the very first most important thing"). Choose one for clearer, more concise writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very first" functions as a determiner and adjective phrase to emphasize the ordinal position of something. As Ludwig examples show, it highlights that something is not just first, but uniquely and emphatically so. Ludwig AI confirms this structure is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the very first" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the initial occurrence of something. As Ludwig shows, it is frequently used in news, science, and business contexts to highlight beginnings and origins. When writing, remember to avoid redundancy with other superlatives and consider alternatives like "the inaugural" or "the initial" for a more formal tone. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in numerous contexts. Therefore, using "the very first" is an effective way to make your point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the starting point

Highlights the commencement or initiation of an event.

the initial

Substitutes "very first" with a synonym emphasizing the beginning stage.

the introductory

Focuses on the beginning of something.

the inaugural

Replaces "first" with a more formal term indicating a beginning or start.

the original

Suggests the source or earliest form of something, instead of the order.

the premiere

Replaces "first" implying a debut or opening performance.

the ground-breaking

Implies something new and innovative. Focus on innovation.

the foremost

Emphasizes importance and position rather than order.

the dawn of

Implies the beginning of a period or era.

the genesis of

Focuses on the origin or creation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "the very first" in a sentence?

Use "the very first" to emphasize the initial occurrence of something. For example: "That was the very first time I tried sushi."

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

Consider using "the inaugural" or "the initial" for a more formal tone. For example, instead of saying "the very first meeting", you could say "the inaugural meeting".

Is there a difference between "the first" and "the very first"?

"The very first" emphasizes the beginning more strongly than just "the first". It adds extra emphasis to the concept of being the absolute earliest or initial instance.

When is it appropriate to use "the very first"?

Use "the very first" when you want to highlight the importance or uniqueness of something's beginning. It's suitable when the fact that it's the first occurrence is significant or noteworthy.