very first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very first" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the initial or primary position in a sequence or list. Example: "This is my very first attempt at baking a cake, and I'm excited to see how it turns out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

His very first response?

The New York Times

"His very first one".

The New York Times - Travel

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

"I remember my very first customer.

The New York Times - Travel

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very first" to add emphasis when you want to highlight the initial position in a sequence or the importance of the beginning.

Common error

Avoid using "very first" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for simpler alternatives like "first" or "initial" when emphasis is not crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very first" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It emphasizes the ordinal position of the noun it modifies, indicating that it is the absolute beginning or the very start of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very first" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English. As Ludwig AI states, it's correct and usable. It serves to emphasize the beginning or initial position of something, adding a sense of importance or excitement. While it's versatile across various contexts, overuse should be avoided to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives like "initial", "earliest", or simply "first" can be employed when emphasis is not crucial. Its prevalence in news and media outlets, as well as personal blogs, underscores its widespread acceptance and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first

A more direct and common way to indicate the beginning.

initial

Focuses on the starting point without necessarily implying emphasis.

very beginning

Emphasizes the start point, similar to "very first", but with different structure and word choice.

earliest

Emphasizes the time aspect of being the first.

primary

Highlights the importance of being first in order or significance.

inaugural

Often used in formal contexts, referring to the beginning or initiation of something.

original

Focuses on the origin or source, implying it came before all others.

opening

Refers to the act of beginning or making something accessible for the first time.

commencement

A formal term for a beginning or start, often used in ceremonies.

maiden

Often used to describe the first attempt or occurrence of something, like a "maiden voyage".

FAQs

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

You can use "very first" to emphasize the beginning of something, such as "This is my "very first" attempt at painting", or "That was the "very first" time I met her".

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

While both indicate the beginning, "very first" adds emphasis. "First" is neutral, while "very first" highlights the importance or excitement of the beginning.

What can I say instead of "very first"?

You can use alternatives like "initial", "earliest", or simply "first" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "very first"?

Yes, the phrase "very first" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to emphasize the initial position or occurrence of something.