Pain in the English
Pain in the English

Unpacking English, Bit by Bit

A community for questioning, nitpicking, and debating the quirks and rules of the English language.

Pain in the English
Pain in the English

Unpacking English, Bit by Bit

A community for questioning, nitpicking, and debating the quirks and rules of the English language.

Username

gus

Member Since

September 28, 2006

Total number of comments

1

Total number of votes received

19

Bio

Latest Comments

First annual vs. second annual

  • September 28, 2006, 9:22am

Here's the cite from the Associated Press Stylebook, which explains why -- whatever your personal opinion on this -- you should refrain from using "first annual" in any submission to a news organization:

"An event cannot be described as annual until it has been held in at least two successive years. Do not use the term first annual. Instead, note that sponsors plan to hold an event annually."

If you are having a private event, call it anything you wish. If you want publicity through media, call it "inaugural" in order to be taken seriously.