First VS at first VS first time VS the first time VS for the first time
1. I saw him first on YouTube.
2. I saw him at first on YouTube.
3. I saw him first time on YouTube.
4. I saw him the first time on YouTube.
5. I saw him for the first time on YouTube.

Which ones are correct?

Question

First VS at first VS first time VS the first time VS for the first time
1. I saw him first on YouTube. 
2. I saw him at first on YouTube. 
3. I saw him first time on YouTube.
4. I saw him the first time on YouTube.
5. I saw him for the first time on YouTube.

Which ones are correct?

Answer

Here's how I would interpret these sentences:

1. The first time that I saw him was on YouTube (I had not seen him anywhere before)

2. There would be some sort of follow-up to this statement. E.g. I later met him in person.

3. Not correct

4,5. These are a bit ambiguous to me. It could mean the same as 1, but could also mean that it was the first time that I saw him while on YouTube (implying that I had seen him before elsewhere)

Answers · 1

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