When describing something happening for the first time, using the same phrase repeatedly can feel repetitive.
Whether you’re writing an essay, sending an email, or telling a story, varying your language keeps your writing engaging and professional.
In this article, you’ll discover 27 other ways to say “for the first time” that will help you sound more creative, polished, and confident in your communication.
All Other Ways in One List
- For the very first time
- At the outset
- At first glance
- In the beginning
- Initially
- As a first step
- First and foremost
- In the first instance
- In the early stages
- At first blush
- At the start
- At the first attempt
- For starters
- To begin with
- Off the bat
- From the get-go
- Right from the start
- Right off the bat
- At first sight
- Making its debut
- For a maiden attempt
- At its inception
- For a trial run
- On the first go
- As a preliminary step
- Testing the waters
- Venturing forth
1. For the Very First Time
Definition: A more emphatic way of saying “for the first time.”
Description: This phrase is useful when you want to stress that something is happening for the absolute first time in a significant way.
Usage Examples:
- She traveled abroad for the very first time last summer.
- He held his newborn daughter for the very first time with tears in his eyes.
2. At the Outset
Definition: Used to indicate the beginning of something.
Description: This phrase is often used in formal settings, such as business reports, speeches, or academic writing.
Usage Examples:
- At the outset of the project, we faced several challenges.
- He made his goals clear at the outset of the meeting.
3. At First Glance
Definition: Refers to the initial impression or the first moment of seeing something.
Description: Commonly used when referring to observations or first impressions.
Usage Examples:
- At first glance, the painting appeared simple, but it had intricate details.
- The report looked promising at first glance, but it needed more work.
4. In the Beginning
Definition: A general phrase meaning “at the start of something.”
Description: This phrase is versatile and can be used in casual, formal, or storytelling contexts.
Usage Examples:
- In the beginning, the company was just a small startup.
- In the beginning, learning a new language can be difficult.
5. Initially
Definition: A single-word alternative meaning “at first.
Description: This is a formal and concise way to indicate something that happened first before anything else.
Usage Examples:
- Initially, she was nervous about public speaking.
- The plan was initially to expand locally before going international.
6. As a First Step
Definition: A phrase indicating the first stage in a process.
Description: It’s commonly used in instructional or step-by-step situations.
Usage Examples:
- As a first step, you should gather all necessary documents.
- As a first step, we need to outline our strategy.
7. First and Foremost
Definition: Emphasizes priority when listing things in order.
Description: This is useful in speeches, formal writing, and emphasizing important points.
Usage Examples:
- First and foremost, we need to establish a clear objective.
- First and foremost, safety should be our priority.
8. In the First Instance
Definition: Used to refer to the initial stage or occurrence.
Description: It’s common in legal and formal writing.
Usage Examples:
- In the first instance, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
- In the first instance, we will assess the feasibility of the project.
9. In the Early Stages
Definition: Describes the beginning phase of a process.
Description: It works well in business, medical, or project-related discussions.
Usage Examples:
- The company is still in the early stages of development.
- The disease is treatable in the early stages.
10. At First Blush
Definition: Means at first impression or first thought.
Description: This phrase adds a poetic or sophisticated tone to writing.
Usage Examples:
- At first blush, the idea seemed impossible, but it worked.
- The house looked perfect at first blush, but it needed repairs.
11. At the Start
Definition: A straightforward way to refer to the beginning of something.
Description: This phrase is simple and effective for both casual and formal communication.
Usage Examples:
- At the start, everything seemed easy.
- We faced some difficulties at the start of the project.
12. At the First Attempt
Definition: Refers to doing something on the first try.
Description: This phrase is commonly used when talking about success or failure.
Usage Examples:
- He passed his driving test at the first attempt.
- She solved the puzzle at the first attempt.
13. For Starters
Definition: A casual way to say “to begin with.”
Description: This phrase is often used in informal conversations.
Usage Examples:
- For starters, let’s discuss our main objectives.
- For starters, we should introduce ourselves.
14. To Begin With
Definition: A commonly used phrase to introduce the first point.
Description: It works well in both spoken and written English.
Usage Examples:
- To begin with, we need to set a budget.
- To begin with, let’s review last month’s performance.
15. Off the Bat
Definition: Means immediately or at the very beginning.
Description: This phrase is informal and often used in sports or casual speech.
Usage Examples:
- I knew off the bat that he was trustworthy.
- The plan was great off the bat.
16. From the Get-Go
Definition: Means from the very beginning.
Description: This phrase is commonly used in casual speech to emphasize that something started a certain way from the start.
Usage Examples:
- We knew from the get-go that the project would be a success.
- She was determined from the get-go to win the race.
17. Right From the Start
Definition: Indicates something happening immediately from the beginning.
Description: This phrase is useful in both casual and professional settings when emphasizing an early occurrence.
Usage Examples:
- He showed great leadership right from the start.
- Right from the start, the team was confident about the plan.
18. Right Off the Bat
Definition: Means immediately or at the very beginning.
Description: A commonly used informal phrase, often heard in everyday conversations.
Usage Examples:
- Right off the bat, she impressed everyone with her skills.
- We faced challenges right off the bat, but we handled them well.
19. At First Sight
Definition: Refers to the first moment of seeing something or someone.
Description: Often used in romantic or observational contexts.
Usage Examples:
- He fell in love at first sight.
- The solution seemed easy at first sight, but it was complex.
20. Making Its Debut
Definition: Refers to something appearing or being introduced for the first time.
Description: Commonly used in entertainment, sports, and business contexts.
Usage Examples:
- The new product is making its debut next week.
- The artist is making his debut in the music industry.
21. For a Maiden Attempt
Definition: Describes someone’s first effort at something.
Description: This phrase adds a formal or poetic touch to writing.
Usage Examples:
- Her performance was impressive for a maiden attempt.
- For a maiden attempt, the company did exceptionally well.
22. At Its Inception
Definition: Refers to the very beginning of something.
Description: Often used in formal and business-related discussions.
Usage Examples:
- At its inception, the organization had only five members.
- The idea seemed promising at its inception.
23. For a Trial Run
Definition: Describes doing something as an experiment or test for the first time.
Description: This phrase is often used in business and experimental settings.
Usage Examples:
- We launched the program for a trial run before the full release.
- She wore the new shoes for a trial run before buying more pairs.
24. On the First Go
Definition: Refers to succeeding in something on the first attempt.
Description: Commonly used in casual speech when discussing accomplishments.
Usage Examples:
- He nailed the audition on the first go.
- She solved the math problem on the first go.
25. As a Preliminary Step
Definition: Indicates an initial action taken before further progress.
Description: Frequently used in academic, business, and scientific contexts.
Usage Examples:
- As a preliminary step, we need to gather all relevant data.
- As a preliminary step, we should conduct research before proceeding.
26. Testing the Waters
Definition: Means trying something out for the first time to see how it works.
Description: Often used in decision-making situations where caution is needed.
Usage Examples:
- He took a short job in the field, testing the waters before committing.
- Before expanding globally, the company is testing the waters in select markets.
27. Venturing Forth
Definition: Describes moving forward into something new for the first time.
Description: This phrase has a poetic or adventurous tone, often used in storytelling.
Usage Examples:
- She was nervous but excited about venturing forth into a new career.
- They are venturing forth into uncharted territory with this new business.
Conclusion:
Using different phrases for “for the first time” enhances your writing and speech, making them more engaging and professional.
Whether you’re speaking in a formal setting, writing a novel, or just telling a story, choosing the right phrase can leave a stronger impression.
Try using these 27 alternative expressions in your daily communication to sound more polished, articulate, and confident!
