would be the first time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would be the first time" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express that something has never happened before and would be a new experience. Example: This would be the first time I've traveled to Europe.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That would be the first time.

The Guardian - Books

Citizens United would be the first time.

The New Yorker

It would be the first time that happened.

The New York Times

Today would be the first time I'd plunge in all the way.

The New York Times

It would be the first time an unmanned car had driven legally on American streets.

The New Yorker

It would be the first time I had ever gone to the big city.

The New Yorker

If consummated, such a joint venture would be the first time the S.&P.

The New York Times

It would be the first time he has testified in public about the investigation.

The New York Times - Sports

It would be the first time Google's autonomous cars have been tested extensively outside the US.

The Guardian - Tech

For many of them, it would be the first time they had left New York.

The New York Times

This would be the first time annual revenues have risen since 2011.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly defines what the 'first time' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "would be the first time" when referring to past events. This phrase is for future or hypothetical situations. For past events, use "was the first time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would be the first time" functions as an idiomatic expression to indicate that an event or action is unprecedented or has never occurred before. As evidenced by the Ludwig AI response, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would be the first time" is a versatile phrase used to express the novelty or unprecedented nature of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's essential to use this phrase when referring to future or hypothetical situations, differentiating it from "was the first time", which refers to past events. While suitable for various contexts, understanding its register and potential for misinterpretation ensures clarity and precision in writing. With diverse alternatives available, writers can select the most fitting expression to convey uniqueness or innovation effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would be the very first occasion

Adds emphasis on the uniqueness of the "first time" with the inclusion of the word "very".

it would be unprecedented

Highlights the lack of prior instances, differing from "first time" by directly stating its uniqueness.

it would be a historic first

Adds significance by labelling the event as historic, indicating it's not just the first, but also noteworthy.

it would mark the inaugural instance

Replaces "first time" with a more formal, emphatic phrase emphasizing the beginning or start of something.

it would represent the initial occasion

Uses "initial occasion" for a slightly more elevated and descriptive way to indicate the first occurrence.

it would constitute a precedent

Focuses on setting a new standard or example, changing the emphasis from just being 'first' to being a 'model'.

it would break new ground

Emphasizes innovation and exploring uncharted territory, rather than simply being the first event.

it would herald a new era

Shifts focus to the transformative potential of the event, signifying the start of a new period.

it would signify the dawn of

Similar to heralding a new era, this phrase uses metaphorical language to denote a fresh beginning.

it would establish a starting point

More literal and neutral, it focuses on the action of setting a base or foundation, not necessarily highlighting novelty.

FAQs

How can I use "would be the first time" in a sentence?

Use "would be the first time" to describe a future or hypothetical situation that has not occurred before. For example, "This "would be the first time" I travel abroad if I get this job."

What phrases are similar to "would be the first time"?

Similar phrases include "it would be unprecedented", "it would mark the inaugural instance", or "it would represent the initial occasion", each conveying a sense of novelty or a new beginning.

Is it correct to say "will be the first time" instead of "would be the first time"?

While "will be the first time" can be grammatically correct, "would be the first time" often implies a hypothetical or conditional scenario. Use "will" when the event is more certain and less contingent on other factors.

What's the difference between "it was the first time" and "it would be the first time"?

"It was the first time" refers to a past event that happened once. "It would be the first time" refers to a future or hypothetical event that has not yet occurred. For example, "It was the first time I saw snow last year", versus "It "would be the first time" I visit Europe if I win the lottery".