this was the first time

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "This was the first time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific event that happened to be the first occurrence of something. For example: "This was the first time I had ever visited a country outside of my own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This was the first time in.

The New York Times

This was the first time.

The Guardian

This was the first time such monitoring has been possible.

The New York Times - Science

This was the first time he was homesick.

The New York Times - Sports

This was the first time I saw a live opera.

The Guardian - Books

This was the first time this had happened.

The New York Times

However, this was the first time they had encountered humans".

The Guardian

And this was the first time he realised it.

The Guardian - Sport

This was the first time I'd heard him speak.

The New Yorker

This was the first time that Gautama had been arrested.

The New Yorker

This was the first time they won and creeped ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was the first time" to clearly indicate a novel event or experience, setting it apart from subsequent occurrences. For example, "This was the first time I tried sushi, and I loved it."

Common error

Be precise when using "this was the first time". Avoid using it interchangeably with phrases that imply frequency or habit. For instance, don't say "This was the first time I always did it", as it creates a contradiction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was the first time" functions as an introductory clause or adverbial phrase, setting the stage for the main part of the sentence by indicating the novelty or initial occurrence of an event. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

37%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was the first time" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to highlight the novelty or initial occurrence of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, its register is generally neutral to informal. While direct and clear, writers should aim for precision, avoiding ambiguity. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "it marked the initial instance" might be more suitable. With its frequent use and consistent application, "this was the first time" remains a reliable way to denote a beginning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was the very first occurrence

Emphasizes the uniqueness of this specific event.

it had never happened before

Focuses on the absolute novelty of the event.

it marked the initial instance

Emphasizes the marking of a beginning.

it was unprecedented

Highlights the lack of prior occurrence.

it was the inaugural occasion

Highlights the formal or ceremonial start.

it represented the premiere

Suggests a debut or public introduction.

it was the opening chapter

Implies the start of a sequence of events.

it constituted the genesis

Indicates the origin or creation.

it signified the dawn

Metaphorically describes the beginning of something.

it was a groundbreaking event

Stresses the innovative or precedent-setting nature.

FAQs

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

Use "this was the first time" to introduce an event that hadn't occurred previously for a specific subject. For example, "This was the first time she had travelled abroad".

What are some alternatives to "this was the first time"?

Alternatives include "it marked the initial instance", "it was the inaugural occasion", or "it had never happened before", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "this was the first time that"?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. The "that" is optional and often omitted for brevity. Both "this was the first time I saw snow" and "This was the first time that I saw snow" are grammatically sound.

How does the meaning change if I say "this is the first time" instead of "this was the first time"?

Using "this is the first time" places the event in the present, whereas "this was the first time" refers to an event in the past. For example, "This is the first time I'm speaking in public" (now), versus "This was the first time I spoke in public" (past).