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You can use the first to do to mean "the first person (or people) to do something". In your example, the meaning is slightly different; people will assume you mean the first person to walk on the moon, not just the first man , unless context suggests otherwise:
The phrase "the first to do something" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English. You can use it when referring to someone who is the first to accomplish or do something, usually something that had never been done or achieved before.
To be very likely or eager to do something. You know I'd be the first to help you out; just ask me next time. She'll be the first person to admit that the program has flaws, but she still believes in it very strongly.
To be very likely or eager to do something. You know I'd be the first to help you out; just ask me next time. She'll be the first person to admit that the program has flaws, but she still believes in it very strongly.
May 12, 2024 · first noun (THING/PERSON) B1 [ S ] the first person or thing to do or be something, or the first person or thing mentioned: We've fostered several children. Tina was the first . My passport was the first to arrive .
Feb 2, 2021 · Could you tell what is the difference between be the first to do something and be the first to have done something? For example: The country is the first to use nuclear power. The country is the first to have used nuclear power.
Apr 2, 2019 · No, I don't think the infinitive version is always preferable. Both of these sentences make sense, and the perfect version seems slightly better to me in a comment about something that he has done: He is the first to finish the project. He is the first to have finished the project.
