When you’re trying to communicate a fresh experience or highlight something that has never happened before, the phrase “for the first time” often does the job. But if you’re aiming to make your writing more expressive or varied, it’s worth exploring other ways to say it. Whether you’re crafting an email, writing a story, or preparing a speech, having a rich vocabulary gives your message more impact and nuance.
This guide presents 20 thoughtful alternatives to “for the first time,” each with unique connotations and practical examples.
What Does “For the First Time” Really Mean?
At its core, “for the first time” refers to experiencing or doing something that hasn’t happened before. It usually marks a moment of newness—whether exciting, intimidating, or simply noteworthy.
Examples:
- She’s traveling abroad for the first time.
- I tried sushi for the first time last weekend.
Is It Polite and Professional?
Yes, the phrase is widely accepted in both formal and informal communication. Still, depending on your audience or tone, switching it up with a synonym can provide clarity, sophistication, or emotional depth. In business writing, for instance, alternatives like “initially” or “inaugural” may be more appropriate.
Pros and Cons of Using Alternatives
Benefits of Switching Up Your Language:
- Improves Reader Engagement: Keeps your language from sounding repetitive.
- Adds Emotional Nuance: Helps you express feelings like excitement, hesitation, or importance.
- Contextual Flexibility: You can tailor the phrase to suit casual conversations, business reports, or creative writing.
- Boosts Professionalism: Some alternatives carry a more formal tone, ideal for official or academic communication.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Overcomplication: In some cases, simpler language is more effective.
- Misalignment: Not all phrases work in every situation; choosing the wrong one can sound awkward or forced.
- Inconsistency: Using too many different expressions can distract from your main message.
20 Different Ways to Say “For the First Time”
Here are two dozen expressions you can use instead of “for the first time,” each followed by a contextual example:
- For the Very First Time
- Adds emphasis to a brand-new experience.
- Example: I saw snow for the very first time last winter.
- Initially
- Suitable for professional or academic settings.
- Example: The system initially failed during the launch.
- On My First Occasion
- Useful in personal stories or reflections.
- Example: On my first occasion visiting the museum, I was overwhelmed with emotion.
- At the Outset
- Ideal for formal writing or structured presentations.
- Example: At the outset, we faced significant challenges.
- At First Glance
- Often used for first impressions or early experiences.
- Example: At first glance, the problem didn’t seem serious.
- For the Initial Time
- A polished, formal alternative.
- Example: The findings were presented for the initial time last month.
- On My First Try
- Conveys a sense of effort or trial.
- Example: I succeeded on my first try.
- On the First Occasion
- Slightly formal and versatile in tone.
- Example: On the first occasion we met, he was very quiet.
- On Debut
- Great for public appearances or product launches.
- Example: The athlete impressed everyone on debut.
- During the Inaugural Event
- Implies a ceremonial or formal beginning.
- Example: I spoke during the inaugural event last year.
- On Maiden Voyage
- Often used metaphorically for first ventures or journeys.
- Example: The ship set sail on its maiden voyage.
- As a Newcomer
- Highlights the perspective of a beginner.
- Example: As a newcomer, everything seemed unfamiliar.
- On First Encounter
- Emphasizes meeting or discovering something new.
- Example: On first encounter, the task appeared daunting.
- In the Beginning
- A widely-used and accessible alternative.
- Example: In the beginning, I had no idea what to expect.
- Upon Introduction
- Sounds formal and precise.
- Example: Upon introduction, the concept sparked interest.
- At the Launch
- Ideal for business or product-related content.
- Example: Feedback was overwhelmingly positive at the launch.
- On First Attempt
- Emphasizes trying something out.
- Example: The team succeeded on first attempt.
- On the Opening Day
- Perfect for events or grand openings.
- Example: Sales exceeded expectations on the opening day.
- During the Kickoff
- Informal, especially suitable for teams or projects.
- Example: Morale was high during the kickoff.
- In the Early Stages
- Offers a broad reference to the start of a process.
- Example: In the early stages, we were still testing ideas.
Final Thoughts
Substituting “for the first time” with a fitting alternative can elevate your writing and help tailor your message to different settings. Whether you’re aiming to add emotional weight, sound more polished, or avoid repetition, these 20 phrases provide a toolkit for smarter, more engaging communication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use these alternatives in academic writing?
Yes, many of them—like “initially,” “at the outset,” or “upon introduction”—are well-suited for academic and professional documents.
2. Which phrase is best for storytelling?
“For the very first time” or “on my first occasion” works beautifully in narrative or personal writing to create a sense of discovery or emotion.
3. Are these expressions interchangeable in all contexts?
Not always. It’s important to consider tone, setting, and audience. For example, “on debut” is ideal for performances, while “at the launch” fits business settings.
4. How can I make sure I’m choosing the right synonym?
Think about your goal—whether you’re trying to sound formal, emotional, or casual—and match the tone of the phrase to that purpose.
5. Is it okay to still use “for the first time” occasionally?
Absolutely. It’s a clear and effective phrase. Just make sure it doesn’t become repetitive if you’re writing a longer piece.
