first place
Top position
Use `first place` to identify the winner or your absolute favorite thing in a group.
En 15 secondes
- Refers to the winner or the top-ranked item.
- Commonly used in sports, school, and business rankings.
- Symbolizes the highest level of achievement or preference.
Signification
This phrase describes the person or thing that wins a competition or is the best choice. It is the gold medal spot or the very top of a list.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Talking about a school race
She ran so fast that she took first place in the 100-meter dash.
She won the race.
Discussing favorite foods
Tacos will always hold first place in my heart.
Tacos are my favorite food.
A business performance review
Our team earned first place for the highest sales this quarter.
Our team had the best sales.
Contexte culturel
In many English-speaking countries, particularly the US, 'first place' is associated with the 'Blue Ribbon.' This tradition started at county fairs where the best livestock or pies received a blue strip of cloth. Today, it symbolizes excellence in everything from science fairs to professional sports.
The 'In' Trap
Don't confuse `first place` (the winner) with `in the first place` (meaning 'originally' or 'to begin with'). They are very different!
Silver and Bronze
If you aren't in `first place`, you might be in `second place` (silver) or `third place` (bronze). We rarely count past third place in casual talk.
En 15 secondes
- Refers to the winner or the top-ranked item.
- Commonly used in sports, school, and business rankings.
- Symbolizes the highest level of achievement or preference.
What It Means
First place is the winner's circle. It means you are number one. In a race, it is the person who crosses the line first. In your heart, it might be your favorite pizza shop. It represents the highest quality or the fastest speed. It is the ultimate goal in most competitions.
How To Use It
You use it as a noun phrase. You can 'win' first place or 'take' first place. Sometimes we use it to describe a preference. If you love chocolate most, it holds first place for you. You do not need a fancy vocabulary to use it. Just put it where you would put the word 'winner'.
When To Use It
Use it at sports events or school contests. Use it when talking about rankings or top-tier items. It is perfect for business meetings when discussing market leaders. You can use it when texting friends about your favorite movies. It works whenever there is a clear hierarchy of quality.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that are equal. If two people are both great, neither is in first place. Avoid using it for 'the beginning' of a story. For that, use 'in the first place' instead. That extra 'in' and 'the' changes the meaning completely. Don't tell your boss he is in first place unless he just won a marathon; it sounds a bit odd!
Cultural Background
Western culture is very competitive. We love to rank everything from songs to burgers. Winning first place often comes with a blue ribbon in the US. In the Olympics, it means a gold medal. Being 'number one' is a huge part of the American Dream. It is the spot everyone is chasing.
Common Variations
1st place(the short, written version)Top spot(a more casual, cool version)The gold(referring to the medal)Number one(the most common synonym)The winner's circle(where the winners stand)
Notes d'usage
The phrase is very versatile and safe for all audiences. Just remember to use 'take' or 'win' as your primary verbs.
The 'In' Trap
Don't confuse `first place` (the winner) with `in the first place` (meaning 'originally' or 'to begin with'). They are very different!
Silver and Bronze
If you aren't in `first place`, you might be in `second place` (silver) or `third place` (bronze). We rarely count past third place in casual talk.
Verbs Matter
You can 'win,' 'take,' 'earn,' or 'secure' first place. 'Win' is the most common and easiest to remember.
Exemples
6She ran so fast that she took first place in the 100-meter dash.
She won the race.
Standard use for a physical competition.
Tacos will always hold first place in my heart.
Tacos are my favorite food.
Metaphorical use to show a strong preference.
Our team earned first place for the highest sales this quarter.
Our team had the best sales.
Professional use to denote success.
I finally got first place in that new battle royale game!
I won the video game.
Common in gaming culture.
My dog wins first place for being the loudest snorer in the world.
My dog snores the loudest.
Using the phrase to exaggerate a funny trait.
It doesn't matter if you get first place, as long as you try your best.
Winning isn't everything.
Used to discuss the concept of winning.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence.
After weeks of training, Mark finally ___ first place in the marathon.
We 'take' or 'win' first place in English.
Identify the context.
If a restaurant is in ___ place on Yelp, it is the best-rated one.
The phrase `first place` is used for rankings.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'First Place'
Used with friends about games or food.
This pizza is first place for me.
Standard use for sports and news.
The runner took first place.
Used in awards ceremonies.
The first place award goes to...
Where to find First Place
Sports
Winning a gold medal
School
Winning the spelling bee
Business
Top selling product
Personal
Your favorite hobby
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot always! It can just mean something is the best, like saying That burger is in first place for me.
It is better to say first place or just number one. Number one place sounds a bit repetitive.
Yes, it is very professional. For example: Our goal is to reach first place in the market.
The opposite is last place. You definitely don't want to be there!
Yes! Telling someone You're in first place in my book is a very sweet compliment.
Yes, 1st is just the numerical way to write first. It is common in texting and on posters.
That is a different idiom meaning 'from the beginning.' Example: I shouldn't have come here in the first place.
Usually, we say win first place without 'the'. Adding 'the' is grammatically okay but less common.
No, it is a noun phrase. You cannot 'first place' a race; you 'take' first place.
This is a common sports phrase. It means the person finished the race in the top position.
Expressions liées
Top-tier
Something of the highest quality.
Winner takes all
A situation where only the first place person gets a prize.
Front runner
The person most likely to win first place.
Cream of the crop
The very best of a group.
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