very first time

USAGE SUMMARY

"very first time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when referring to the initial occurrence of something, such as an experience or event. For example: "It was my very first time going to an amusement park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I got pregnant the very first time.

The New York Times

From the very first time, we liked Misha.

The New York Times

I remember the very first time I was upgraded.

The New York Times

The very first time I got drunk, I was 10.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He recorded many songs for the very first time".

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes for the very first time they see that science really has a human heart.

Stanford University

One collection was received relatively recently, and is on display for the very first time.

Columbia University

I suppose that was the very first time when I got interested in chemistry.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The very first time you get paid, it's like: "I can make anything I want!

The New York Times - Magazine

But the very first time they met was on the air, on "The Colbert Report".

The New Yorker

"The very first time you're stung by a bee, you won't be allergic," said Dr. Pacheco.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the novelty or impact of a first experience, use "very first time" to add emphasis. For example, "Seeing the ocean for the "very first time" was breathtaking".

Common error

Avoid using "very first time ever", as "ever" is redundant. "Very first time" already implies that it has never happened before.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very first time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurred initially. As seen in Ludwig, it adds emphasis to the fact that something is happening for the first time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very first time" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the initial occurrence of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across varied contexts, from news reporting to personal narratives. While alternatives like "initial experience" or "never before" exist, "very first time" adds a specific emphasis on the novelty of the event. When using the phrase, avoid redundancy by excluding "ever". Its presence across different sources underscores its broad applicability and acceptance in English writing and speech. The phrase functions as an adverbial, modifying the verb to stress when the action happened initially.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

never before

Highlights the novelty and lack of prior occurrence.

initial experience

Focuses on the experience aspect, omitting the temporal emphasis.

first encounter

Emphasizes the meeting or confrontation aspect of an initial experience.

debut appearance

Specifically refers to the first public showing or performance.

original attempt

Highlights the aspect of trying something for the first time.

the very beginning

Focuses on the start or origin of something, rather than a specific event.

maiden voyage

Typically used for the first journey of a ship or aircraft, implying a beginning.

first go

An informal way to refer to the initial try or attempt.

inaugural instance

A more formal way of saying the first occurrence.

the dawn of

Implies the start of an era or significant period.

FAQs

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

Use "very first time" to emphasize the initial occurrence of an event or experience. For example, "It was the "very first time" I had ever seen snow."

What phrases are similar to "very first time"?

Alternatives include "initial experience", "debut appearance", or "never before" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very first time ever"?

Yes, using "ever" after "very first time" is generally redundant, as the phrase already implies that it has never happened before. Stick to just "very first time".

What is the difference between "first time" and "very first time"?

The addition of "very" adds emphasis to the newness and impact of the experience, making it more emphatic than simply saying "first time".