for the first time
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb * On the initial occasion; at the beginning of a sequence of events. This phrase is used to indicate that an action, event, or state is happening or being experienced for the very first time in a given context.
Usage
The phrase "for the first time" modifies a verb to specify that the action it describes is occurring as an initial occurrence. It is typically placed at the beginning or end of a clause for emphasis.
Examples
- She visited Paris for the first time last summer.
- For the first time, I understood the true meaning of the poem.
- The company is launching this product for the first time in the Asian market.
- He felt truly confident for the first time in his life.
Advanced Usage
- "For the first time in [period]": This construction emphasizes the length of time that passed before the first occurrence.
- For the first time in decades, the two rival leaders met.
- It snowed in the city for the first time in five years.
- "For the first time ever": This is a more emphatic variant, stressing the absolute novelty of the event.
- Humans walked on the moon for the first time ever in 1969.
Variants and Related Words
- First (adverb): Can often be used interchangeably in many contexts, though "for the first time" can add slightly more emphasis on the novelty of the experience.
- I first met her in 2010. (Compare to: I met her for the first time in 2010.)
- Initially (adverb): Refers to the beginning of a process or period, but not necessarily a single unique event.
- Initially, I was opposed to the idea. (This refers to my first state of mind, not a one-time event.)
Synonyms
- Initially
- At first
- At the outset
- Originally
Antonyms
- For the last time
- Finally
- Subsequently
- Later
Adverb
- the initial time
- when Felix first saw a garter snake