first vs the first

Both 'first' and 'the first' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'First' is used when referring to the initial position in a sequence without specifying a particular noun, while 'the first' is used when referring to the initial position in a sequence with a specific noun. The choice between them depends on whether you want to be more general or specific in your description.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 1270 views

This is correct when referring to the initial position in a sequence without specifying a particular noun.

"first"

Use 'first' when you want to refer to the initial position in a sequence in a general way.

Examples:

I was the first to arrive at the party.
She is the first in line for the job.

Show examples from the web [+]

The first car that stops, decides our destination.
Congratulations on Mission Kashmir's first victory.
His first attorney was probably some 12-year-old legal-aid guy.
He was my first real boyfriend.
The first killing was too cruel.
Take a statement from him first.
She murdered her first victim here.
This fighting staff was my first weapon.
Madlyn's first birthday since her mother died.
We sing first and then read later.
My first job paid that much.
The first attempted switch was carefully rehearsed.
Gone before the first cops arrived.
Like their first pair of high-heeled shoes.
Our first meditation begins in one hour.
Congratulations on our first FBI raid.
Violence was always her first instinct.
Writing's always been my first love.
Wait. Let the dust settle first.
This was Bronson's first discovery.

Alternatives:

initial
beginning
start
earliest
foremost

This is correct when referring to the initial position in a sequence with a specific noun.

"the first"

Use 'the first' when you want to refer to the initial position in a sequence with a specific noun.

Examples:

He is the first person to finish the race.
This is the first time I've seen such a beautiful sunset.

Show examples from the web [+]

This is the first premarital celebration.
Not since the first alternate team dialed in.
Awareness is the first and most difficult step.
That was the first upright primate.
Matt is the first ever hummingbird pilot.
Sources say the first bomber worshipped here.
And audiences heard Crawford for the first time.
This girl wasn't the first.
Time to bring in the first string.
Curiosity is the first stop to enlightenment.
I almost bailed the first week.
He helped convene the first Norwegian assembly and write the national constitution.
You're not the first to lose men.
This is the first piece I grabbed.
Except the first time you were diagnosed.
Delphinus was the first constellation I ever learned.
And the first commandment is know thy catalog.
Your memories are the first step to consciousness.
You were the first real light.
Shooting his brother when the first frame-up went sideways.

Alternatives:

the initial
the beginning
the start
the earliest
the foremost

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first vs the first

"first"

"the first"

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