the very first example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very first example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the initial instance of something being discussed or presented. Example: "In our discussion about renewable energy, let's start with the very first example of solar power implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Villa Tugendhat is the very first example of the use of a steel structure for a family home.

The Guardian - Books

The event was broadcast on the new BBC radio service, in what appears to be the very first example of an outside broadcast.

The Guardian

"Fort Hamilton was supposed to be the very first example of how privatization could work," said Timothy B. Mills, a Washington lawyer who later lobbied for a group of utility companies pursuing military contracts.

The New York Times

Now, cynical movie-watchers are used to product placement, but I think this is the very first example of a corporate movie product subliminally advertising itself -- actually sneaking commercially crafted brand images into what is supposedly a stand-alone artistic entity.

The Guardian - Film

This may be the very first example of using Snapchat to fight for civil rights.

Huffington Post

To our knowledge the MVC study is the very first example of several important DDR proteins being detected with human antibodies in canine cell lines.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"They're one of the very first examples of powered flight".

The New Yorker

In the second part of this chapter, the very first examples using graphene and hBN that initiated this field of research would be introduced to help readers build a general knowledge on vdW heterostructures.

Semiconductors and Semimetals

Indeed, the very first examples of LSB-based steganalysis made use of less than ten features, with an adapted and specific methodology for each stego algorithm.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

The main problem is that our language could probably manage without apostrophes, as the book's very first example shows.

The New York Times - Books

This very first example I thought about is the smoke detector in almost every house in U.S. today.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very first example" when you want to emphasize that something is the initial instance and carries significance.

Common error

Avoid using "the very first example" when 'first example' already provides sufficient emphasis. Redundancy can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very first example" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier. It serves to specify and emphasize that the noun it modifies is the initial or original instance of something. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from historical events to scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very first example" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the initial instance of something, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While its usage isn't extremely frequent, it serves to highlight precedence and significance. When writing, be mindful of potential redundancy and ensure the phrase adds meaningful emphasis. Consider alternatives such as "the inaugural instance" or "the premiere case" to diversify your language. The phrase is generally neutral, leaning toward professional, making it suitable for a variety of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the inaugural instance

Replaces 'example' with 'instance' and uses 'inaugural' to signify the beginning or start.

the earliest instance

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, highlighting that it is the earliest occurrence.

the starting instance

Uses 'starting' to directly convey the idea of the beginning.

the initial illustration

Substitutes 'example' with 'illustration' to focus on a specific depiction or demonstration.

the premiere case

Uses 'premiere' to indicate a first showing or occurrence, replacing 'very first' with a single word.

the primary illustration

Focuses on the foundational or main quality of the example.

the original demonstration

Focuses on the origin of the example, highlighting its place as the starting point.

the foremost example

Emphasizes the leading or most important aspect of the first example.

the introductory case

Positions the example as a way to introduce a topic or concept.

the pioneering demonstration

Highlights the innovative or groundbreaking nature of the first example.

FAQs

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

You can use "the very first example" to highlight an initial occurrence or demonstration. For example, "The Wright brothers' flight is "the very first example" of powered flight".

What are some alternatives to "the very first example"?

Consider alternatives like "the inaugural instance", "the initial illustration", or "the premiere case" to vary your language.

Is it redundant to say "the very first example"?

While not always redundant, ensure that "very" adds meaningful emphasis. In some contexts, "the first example" may suffice. Using "the first example" is acceptable if emphasis is not required.

What's the difference between "the first example" and "the very first example"?

"The very first example" adds emphasis to the fact that it is the initial instance, suggesting importance or significance. "The first example" is more neutral.