Uly, why not THE first? Can you explain please)

We just don’t use the article in this case - I don’t know why.

... hm... interesting... thank you!

Np)))

Irina, because 'the' and 'first" are determiners in the Noun Phrase '(the) first place', it is possible to place the ordinal number after a so called 'central determiner' that is the definite article in the NP. So, both NP structures, take first place and take the first place, are possible and all right to use.

If I didn’t understand what you just wrote, I doubt Irina will. And to confirm… when we talk about ranking, the definite article is definitely NEVER used – we never say “took/won THE first place.”

https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/134375-win-the-first-place-or-win-first-place

Sometimes you cannot understand anything if it useful for you. The trick is boring. Please, check the examples in the USA newspapers.

Thank you for the recommendation! I will make a point of doing that 😂

Of reading the USA newspapers?! OK. Better late than never.

🤣🤣🤣Uly, read in the end your newspapers, don't be lazy! They are around you all your life!🤣

😂😂😂