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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 • 1239 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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