this is the first

USAGE SUMMARY

"this is the first" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is the initial occurrence of something. For example, "This is the first time I've been to this restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This is the first.

The New York Times

This is the first part.

The New York Times

This is the "first parameter".

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is the first installment.

The New Yorker

"This is the first priority.

The New York Times

This is the first case".

The New York Times - Health

This is the first rain of spring;.

The New Yorker

This is the first of two parts.

The New Yorker

"This is the first year this happens".

The New York Times

This is the first in 14 years.

Independent

"This is the first time I have".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is the first", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being initiated or prioritized to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "this is the first" in close proximity. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is the first" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It serves to identify something as the initial occurrence or the most important element in a sequence or set. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in English writing across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is the first" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to denote an initial occurrence, priority, or step. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and wide applicability make it a valuable asset in written and spoken English. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, its presence is also notable in Wiki, Science, Formal & Business, and Encyclopedias contexts. To enhance your writing, remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse and ensuring clarity in your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This is the initial.

Replaces "first" with "initial", emphasizing the beginning stage.

This is the opening.

Substitutes "first" with "opening", focusing on the commencement or start.

This is the beginning.

Uses "beginning" instead of "first", highlighting the start of something.

This is the premiere.

Employs "premiere" to indicate a debut or initial presentation.

This marks the start.

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the commencement of an action or event.

This is unprecedented.

Indicates that something has never happened before, instead of being the first of many.

This is the pilot.

Uses "pilot" suggesting that something is a test, example, or trial.

This constitutes the foundation.

Replaces the sentence with a higher-register and sophisticated expression.

This is a groundbreaking moment.

Replaces "first" with "groundbreaking", emphasizing the sense of novelty or historical impact.

This is a pioneering attempt.

Uses "pioneering attempt" to communicate the sentence meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "this is the first" in a sentence?

Use "this is the first" to highlight the initial occurrence of an event, action, or item. For example, "This is the first time I've tried sushi."

What are some alternatives to "this is the first"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this is the initial", "this is the opening", or "this marks the start", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "this is the very first"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "this is the very first" can sometimes be redundant. The word "very" adds emphasis but is often unnecessary as "this is the first" already implies uniqueness or priority.

What's the difference between "this is the first" and "this is a first"?

"This is the first" indicates the initial instance of something specific (e.g., "This is the first time I've seen snow"). "This is a first" means it is an experience or situation that has never occurred before (e.g., "This is a first for our company").