"the first" vs "The first one"

Question

"the first" vs "The first one"

Both 'the first' and 'the first one' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The first' is used when referring to the initial item in a series or sequence, while 'the first one' is used when emphasizing the specific item being mentioned.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

Use 'the first' when you want to refer to the initial item in a series or sequence. It is a concise way to indicate the beginning of something.

Examples:

She was the first to arrive at the party.
The first step in the process is to gather all the necessary materials.
He is the first in line to buy the new iPhone.
The first chapter of the book was captivating.
The first day of school is always exciting.

Alternatives:

the initial
the beginning
the starting
the foremost
the primary

Use 'the first one' when you want to emphasize or specify the particular item that is the initial one in a series or sequence.

Examples:

I'll take the first one on the left.
She chose the first one she saw.
The first one to finish wins the prize.
He always picks the first one in the row.
Which one is the first one in the series?

Alternatives:

the initial one
the beginning one
the starting one
the foremost one
the primary one

Answer 1

the first

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the initial item in a series or sequence.

Answer 2

The first one

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when emphasizing the specific item being mentioned.

"the first" vs "The first one"

the first

The first one

Related Comparisons