When expressing the idea of experiencing or doing something for the first time, variety in language can help make your conversation or writing more engaging. “For the first time” is a common phrase, but there are plenty of alternatives that can add nuance, clarity, or creativity to your message.
Whether you’re narrating a personal experience, discussing a significant milestone, or writing creatively, here are 20 other ways to say “for the first time,” along with examples to guide you.
Synonyms for “For the First Time”
- For the inaugural time
- For the very first time
- For the first occasion
- For the first time ever
- For the first go
- On the first try
- At the outset
- On my first encounter
- At the beginning
- For the first instance
- For the first ever occurrence
- On my initial attempt
- At the very start
- For the maiden time
- For the debut
- For the initial time
- In the beginning
- At the threshold
- For the first breakthrough
- On my first experience
1. For the inaugural time
Introduction: A more formal way to describe an experience or event occurring for the first time.
Definition: Refers to something that is happening for the very first time, often used in official or formal contexts.
Meaning: It highlights the novelty of an event or action.
Tone: Formal and professional.
Example: “This is for the inaugural time that our company has introduced this new service.”
Explanation: Ideal for formal announcements, especially in business or event contexts.
2. For the very first time
Introduction: A variation that adds emphasis on the uniqueness of the event.
Definition: Strongly emphasizes that something is happening for the first time.
Meaning: Highlights the significance of the moment.
Tone: Emphatic and casual.
Example: “She saw the ocean for the very first time during her vacation.”
Explanation: It adds emphasis, making it sound more special or momentous.
3. For the first occasion
Introduction: A formal alternative that conveys the idea of something happening for the first time.
Definition: Refers to an event occurring on its first occasion.
Meaning: Used to describe something that has just begun or occurred.
Tone: Neutral to formal.
Example: “On the first occasion of meeting him, I was struck by his warmth.”
Explanation: Often used in written language, formal speech, or professional writing.
4. For the first time ever
Introduction: A more dramatic way of indicating that something has never happened before.
Definition: This phrase emphasizes that something has never happened before in history or in your personal experience.
Meaning: It suggests that there is a sense of uniqueness or importance about the occurrence.
Tone: Casual and emphatic.
Example: “For the first time ever, the team managed to win every game in the season.”
Explanation: Useful in situations where you want to convey something truly remarkable.
5. For the first go
Introduction: A casual expression often used in informal settings.
Definition: Refers to attempting something or experiencing something for the first time.
Meaning: Implies a trial or attempt, often in an experimental or casual sense.
Tone: Informal and relaxed.
Example: “I baked cookies for the first go, and they turned out amazing!”
Explanation: Great for everyday conversations or casual settings.
6. On the first try
Introduction: A variation that suggests success or completion of something the first time it was attempted.
Definition: Indicates that something was achieved on the first attempt.
Meaning: Often conveys success or accomplishment without failure.
Tone: Casual and encouraging.
Example: “I passed the exam on the first try, which was a huge relief.”
Explanation: Ideal for situations where someone has successfully completed something without difficulty.
7. At the outset
Introduction: A slightly formal phrase often used to describe the beginning of something.
Definition: Refers to the beginning or the first part of something.
Meaning: Indicates the start of an event or experience.
Tone: Neutral to formal.
Example: “At the outset of the project, we were uncertain about the challenges ahead.”
Explanation: A great way to express the beginning phase of something.
8. On my first encounter
Introduction: A phrase used when referring to meeting or experiencing something for the first time.
Definition: Indicates the first meeting or interaction with something or someone.
Meaning: Used when talking about the initial experience or meeting.
Tone: Neutral to formal.
Example: “On my first encounter with the team, I was impressed by their dedication.”
Explanation: Often used in professional or storytelling contexts.
9. At the beginning
Introduction: A simple, neutral way to refer to the start of an event or experience.
Definition: Refers to the early part of a process or event, similar to the start of something.
Meaning: Marks the point when something commences.
Tone: Neutral.
Example: “At the beginning of our relationship, we lived in different cities.”
Explanation: This phrase is useful for general descriptions or professional contexts.
10. For the first instance
Introduction: A more formal and academic phrase to describe something happening for the first time.
Definition: Refers to the very first occurrence or example of something.
Meaning: A formal way of saying that something is happening for the first time.
Tone: Formal and academic.
Example: “For the first instance, we explored the new software before launching it.”
Explanation: Suitable for technical, academic, or professional discussions.
11. For the first ever occurrence
Introduction: An extended phrase used to emphasize the first-time nature of an event.
Definition: A phrase that emphasizes that something has never happened before in history or in experience.
Meaning: Indicates that the event or experience is unprecedented.
Tone: Formal and dramatic.
Example: “This is the first ever occurrence of such a phenomenon in our region.”
Explanation: Ideal for formal or historical contexts.
12. On my initial attempt
Introduction: A phrase used to describe an action or event that took place on the first try or effort.
Definition: Refers to the very first time an action or task was attempted.
Meaning: Implies the first trial or effort.
Tone: Neutral.
Example: “On my initial attempt, I completed the puzzle in under an hour.”
Explanation: A great way to describe a first try or effort in a neutral tone.
13. At the very start
Introduction: A casual and straightforward way to refer to the beginning of something.
Definition: Describes the earliest phase or point of something.
Meaning: Indicates the very beginning of an event or activity.
Tone: Neutral to informal.
Example: “At the very start of the season, we didn’t expect to win the championship.”
Explanation: Works well for both casual and professional contexts.
14. For the maiden time
Introduction: A formal and elegant phrase that refers to something happening for the first time.
Definition: “Maiden” is an old-fashioned term meaning “first” or “initial,” often used in formal contexts.
Meaning: Refers to an event or experience happening for the first time.
Tone: Formal and literary.
Example: “The ship embarked on its maiden voyage last week.”
Explanation: This phrase works well in formal, historic, or literary writing.
15. For the debut
Introduction: A casual or formal way to refer to someone’s first performance or appearance.
Definition: Indicates the first public appearance or presentation of someone or something.
Meaning: Typically used in performance or entertainment contexts.
Tone: Formal or neutral.
Example: “She wowed the audience at her debut performance as a lead singer.”
Explanation: Often used in the context of performances or public introductions.
16. For the initial time
Introduction: A simple way to express something happening for the first time.
Definition: Refers to the first occurrence of an event or action.
Meaning: A neutral and straightforward expression of “first time.”
Tone: Neutral and clear.
Example: “This is for the initial time the company has released such a product.”
Explanation: A great option for business or professional environments.
17. In the beginning
Introduction: A more general phrase to indicate the starting point of something.
Definition: Refers to the early phase or start of something.
Meaning: Indicates the initial stage of an event, process, or experience.
Tone: Neutral.
Example: “In the beginning, we were unsure about the project’s success.”
Explanation: Often used in storytelling or general discussions.
18. At the threshold
Introduction: A metaphorical way of describing the beginning or initiation of something.
Definition: Refers to the starting point or the beginning phase of an event.
Meaning: Suggests crossing into a new experience or event.
Tone: Formal and metaphorical.
Example: “At the threshold of my career, I felt both excited and nervous.”
Explanation: Adds a sense of significance to the beginning of something.
19. For the first breakthrough
Introduction: Used when referring to achieving or experiencing something for the first time, particularly in the context of success or innovation.
Definition: Indicates the first major success or achievement in an area of work or activity.
Meaning: Focuses on a significant milestone or accomplishment.
Tone: Positive and ambitious.
Example: “The company celebrated its first breakthrough with the launch of the new product.”
Explanation: Useful for professional achievements or milestone moments.
20. On my first experience
Introduction: A straightforward phrase indicating the first time one encounters something.
Definition: Refers to the first personal experience with an event or activity.
Meaning: Describes a personal encounter or moment of trying something for the first time.
Tone: Neutral and descriptive.
Example: “On my first experience of skydiving, I was both terrified and exhilarated.”
Explanation: Great for personal storytelling or sharing experiences.
Conclusion
There are many ways to express the idea of doing something “for the first time,” and each alternative provides a unique tone or context that can be used to better convey your message. Whether you’re writing a formal report, storytelling, or just having a casual conversation, these 20 alternatives will help you add variety and clarity to your language.
FAQs
Q1: Are these alternatives suitable for both formal and informal contexts?
Yes, many of these alternatives, such as “for the inaugural time” and “on my initial attempt,” are more formal, while phrases like “for the first go” or “for the debut” work better in casual contexts.
Q2: Can I use these alternatives in professional settings?
Yes, alternatives like “for the first instance,” “for the inaugural time,” and “on my first encounter” are appropriate for professional or business settings.
Q3: How do I decide which phrase to use?
The tone of your message and the formality of the context will determine which alternative is most suitable. For casual conversations, opt for phrases like “on the first try” or “catch you later.” For formal writing or speech, choose phrases like “for the inaugural time” or “for the maiden time.”
Numan Hassan is a passionate educator at EnglishVisions, dedicated to helping students master English with confidence. His dynamic teaching approach turns language learning into an engaging and rewarding experience. With a deep understanding of communication skills, he empowers learners to excel in both spoken and written English.
