"first attempt" vs "a first attempt"

Question

"first attempt" vs "a first attempt"

Both 'a first attempt' and 'first attempt' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'A first attempt' is used when emphasizing the ordinal number of the attempt, while 'first attempt' is used when referring to the initial or primary attempt without emphasizing the ordinal number.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

Use 'first attempt' when you want to refer to the initial or primary attempt without specifying the ordinal number of the attempt.

Examples:

Her first attempt at baking a cake was a success.
He decided to make a first attempt at repairing the car.
The team's first attempt to score a goal failed.

Alternatives:

initial attempt
primary try
opening effort
starting shot
beginning trial

Use 'a first attempt' when you want to emphasize that it is the initial or primary attempt and specify the ordinal number of the attempt.

Examples:

She made a first attempt at solving the puzzle.
It was just a first attempt, so don't worry about the result.
He failed in his first attempt to climb the mountain.

Alternatives:

an initial attempt
the first try
the primary effort
the first shot
the initial trial

Answer 1

first attempt

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the initial or primary attempt without emphasizing the ordinal number.

Answer 2

a first attempt

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when emphasizing the ordinal number of the attempt.

"first attempt" vs "a first attempt"

first attempt

a first attempt

Related Comparisons