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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 • 1003 views

first

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

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.
  • 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

the first

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

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.
  • 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

Related Comparisons

the description shows vs the description display In the first vs On the first the procedures shows vs the procedures show the first corresponding vs the corresponding first the corresponding first vs corresponds to any in such a case, there is vs the corresponding first

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