your first

USAGE SUMMARY

"your first" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to the first time someone has done something or the first thing in a list. For example, "Make sure you attend your first class on Monday."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With your first child?

The New Yorker

What's your first response?

The New York Times

Your first impressions?

The New York Times

Your first family pet!

Journal of Business Research

Your first kiss!

Journal of Business Research

Your first real job!

Journal of Business Research

Your first day of college!

Journal of Business Research

What is your first impression?'.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Your first sale of a big idea!

Journal of Business Research

It's your first shift.

Los Angeles Times

Play your first match!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone, use "your first" to clearly indicate the initial step in a sequence. For example, "Your first step is to gather all the necessary materials."

Common error

Avoid using "your first" when it's unclear what the subject's first experience refers to. For example, instead of saying "Your first will be challenging", specify "Your first day will be challenging."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "your first" functions as a possessive adjective modifying a noun. It indicates ownership or association, specifying that something belongs to or is related to the person being addressed and that it is the initial instance or occurrence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is widely used to describe a beginning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "your first" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the initial instance or beginning of something for the person being addressed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in Wiki and News & Media sources, it serves to guide, instruct, or inform. While generally neutral in register, formal contexts may warrant alternatives like "initial" or "inaugural". When using this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying what "first" refers to, and always aim to provide a helpful starting point for the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

your earliest

This alternative highlights the temporal aspect, focusing on what came before all else.

your initial experience

This alternative focuses on the inaugural encounter or exposure to something new.

your introductory

This alternative emphasizes the preliminary or initial nature of something.

your opening

This alternative emphasizes the start or commencement of an event or activity.

the beginning for you

This alternative shifts the focus to the start of an experience, emphasizing it's a fresh start for the individual.

your maiden

This alternative suggests an event or instance that is the first of its kind for the person mentioned.

your premiere

This alternative focuses on the debut or the very first presentation of something.

the debut for you

This alternative highlights the public introduction or commencement of something significant for the user.

your original

This alternative highlights the initial or earliest version of something.

the inaugural for you

This alternative highlights the beginning of something with formal or ceremonial undertones.

FAQs

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

You can use "your first" to refer to the beginning of an experience. For example, "Plan "your first day" at a new job carefully to make a good impression."

What are some alternatives to saying "your first"?

Alternatives include "your initial", "your earliest", or "the beginning for you", depending on the specific context you want to convey. Consider using "your initial" impression or your earliest memory.

Is it correct to use "your first time" instead of "your first"?

While "your first time" can often be used interchangeably with "your first", it typically refers to an action or experience. For example, "Your first time driving can be nerve-wracking."

How does the formality of the context affect the use of "your first"?

The phrase "your first" is suitable for various contexts, from informal instructions to more formal guides. However, consider alternatives like "inaugural" or "initial" in highly formal settings.