When trying to capture a momentous occasion or a novel experience in writing, using the phrase “for the first time” can sometimes feel overused or lacking in freshness. Finding alternative expressions can add variety and subtlety to your narratives, whether you’re drafting an article, composing a story, or even engaging in casual conversation.
In this blog post, we’ll explore various ways to convey the essence of experiencing something new or unprecedented, without leaning on the typical expressions that might dilute the impact of your message. Here, you’ll find examples that not only diversify your vocabulary but also enhance the clarity and emotion of your writing.
11 Synonyms for “For The First Time” (With Usage Examples)
Here are 11 alternative phrases to say “for the first time”:
- Initially
- At the outset
- To begin with
- At the start
- From the onset
- In the beginning
- At the inception
- At first
- On the first occasion
- From the first
- From square one
1. Initially
“Initially” is a versatile and concise way to express the concept of “for the first time.” It’s derived from the word “initial,” meaning first or beginning.
This term is often used in formal writing and professional contexts, making it suitable for academic papers, business reports, or official documentation. “Initially” can refer to the start of a process, a project, or a period of time.
It’s particularly useful when you want to contrast the beginning of something with its later stages or outcomes. The word’s brevity makes it easy to incorporate into sentences without disrupting the flow of ideas.
Usage example:
Initially, I was skeptical about the effectiveness of meditation, but after practicing for a few months, I began to notice significant improvements in my stress levels and overall well-being.
2. At the outset
“At the outset” is a slightly more formal alternative to “for the first time.” This phrase emphasizes the very beginning or starting point of a situation, process, or narrative. It carries a sense of intentionality and planning, often implying that what follows was established or considered from the very beginning.
“At the outset” is particularly useful in contexts where you want to highlight initial intentions, expectations, or conditions.
This phrase can add a touch of sophistication to your writing or speech, making it appropriate for professional or academic settings.
Usage example:
At the outset of our research project, we established clear objectives and methodologies, which helped us maintain focus throughout the year-long study.
3. To begin with
“To begin with” is a versatile phrase that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It’s often employed to introduce the first point in a series of arguments or explanations. This expression can help structure your thoughts and guide your audience through your reasoning.
“To begin with” has a conversational quality that makes it particularly effective in spoken English or in writing styles that aim for a more personal tone.
It’s useful when you want to establish a foundation before moving on to more complex ideas or when you’re about to list several points.
Usage example:
To begin with, let’s examine the basic principles of economics before we delve into more complex market theories.
4. At the start
“At the start” is a straightforward and accessible alternative to “for the first time.” This phrase clearly indicates the beginning of a process, event, or period.
It’s versatile enough to be used in various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal writing. “At the start” can be particularly useful when describing the initial stages of a journey, project, or experience.
It often implies a contrast with later developments or outcomes, making it effective for narratives that involve change or progress over time.
Usage example:
At the start of my career in teaching, I was nervous about classroom management, but over time, I developed effective strategies that made me feel more confident and competent.
5. From the onset
“From the onset” is a slightly more formal way to express “for the first time” or “from the beginning.” This phrase emphasizes the very initial point or moment of something, often with a sense of immediacy or suddenness.
It’s particularly useful when discussing situations where initial conditions or actions have significant consequences or set the tone for what follows. “From the onset” can add a touch of sophistication to your language, making it suitable for academic or professional writing.
It’s often used when precision about timing or sequence is important.
Usage example:
From the onset of the global pandemic, health officials stressed the importance of hand hygiene and social distancing as key measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
6. In the beginning
“In the beginning” is a classic and timeless phrase that evokes a sense of origin or creation. This expression has strong literary and biblical connotations, which can add a touch of gravitas or formality to your writing.
It’s particularly effective when telling stories, explaining historical events, or describing the origins of ideas or processes.
“In the beginning” sets a stage for what follows, often implying a significant journey or development from that starting point. This phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various types of writing or speech.
Usage example:
In the beginning of our relationship, we were just colleagues working on the same project, but over time, our shared interests and mutual respect blossomed into a deep friendship.
7. At the inception
“At the inception” is a more formal and sophisticated alternative to “for the first time.” The word “inception” refers to the establishment or starting point of something, often implying a sense of official or deliberate creation.
This phrase is particularly useful in professional, academic, or legal contexts where precision and formality are valued. It can add weight to your statement, emphasizing the importance of the initial moment or decision.
“At the inception” is often used when discussing the founding of organizations, the beginning of projects, or the origins of ideas.
Usage example:
At the inception of our company, we established core values of innovation, integrity, and customer satisfaction, which have guided our business decisions for over two decades.
8. At first
“At first” is a simple and straightforward alternative that works well in both casual and formal contexts. This phrase is particularly useful when you want to contrast initial impressions or actions with later developments.
Its conversational quality makes it easy to incorporate into everyday speech or writing. “At first” can describe initial reactions, early stages of a process, or preliminary understandings of a situation.
Its brevity makes it an efficient choice when you need to establish a starting point in your narrative or explanation quickly.
Usage example:
At first, I found the new software interface confusing, but after a few days of practice, I began to appreciate its efficiency and user-friendly design.
9. On the first occasion
“On the first occasion” is a more formal and specific way to express “for the first time.” This phrase emphasizes the singular nature of the initial instance or event. It’s particularly useful when you want to highlight a specific moment or occurrence rather than a general beginning.
“On the first occasion” can add a sense of precision and importance to your statement, making it suitable for formal reports, academic writing, or situations where accuracy in describing a sequence of events is crucial. This expression can also be used to set up a comparison with subsequent occasions or events.
Usage example:
On the first occasion that our team participated in the national robotics competition, we encountered numerous challenges, but the experience provided valuable insights that improved our performance in subsequent years.
10. From the first
“From the first” is a concise and versatile alternative that can be used in various contexts. This phrase implies continuity from the initial moment or instance, often suggesting that something has remained constant since its beginning.
It’s useful when you want to emphasize consistency or when describing long-standing characteristics or behaviors.
“From the first” can add a touch of definitiveness to your statement, making it effective in both formal and informal writing. It’s particularly helpful when you want to establish a strong connection between the past and the present.
Usage example:
From the first day of our collaboration, it was clear that our team had excellent chemistry, which has continued to be the foundation of our successful partnership over the years.
11. From square one
“From square one” is an idiomatic expression that vividly conveys the idea of starting from the very beginning or the most basic level. This phrase has a casual and colloquial tone, making it more suitable for informal contexts or when you want to add a conversational feel to your writing.
It’s often used to describe situations where someone needs to start over completely or learn something from the most fundamental stage. “From square one” can imply a sense of challenge or thoroughness in approaching a task or learning process.
This expression is particularly effective when you want to emphasize the comprehensive nature of an undertaking or the extent of someone’s inexperience.
Usage example:
After the data loss, we had to rebuild our entire customer database from square one, which was a time-consuming process but ultimately resulted in a more organized and efficient system.