# first(where:) Returns the first element of the sequence that satisfies the given predicate. ``` func first(where predicate: (Self.Element) throws -> Bool) rethrows -> Self.Element? ``` ## Parameters `predicate` A closure that takes an element of the sequence as its argument and returns a Boolean value indicating whether the element is a match. ## Return Value The first element of the sequence that satisfies `predicate`, or `nil` if there is no element that satisfies `predicate`. ## Discussion The following example uses the `first(where:)` method to find the first negative number in an array of integers: ``` let numbers = [3, 7, 4, -2, 9, -6, 10, 1] if let firstNegative = numbers.first(where: { $0 < 0 }) { print("The first negative number is \(firstNegative).") } // Prints "The first negative number is -2." ``` > Complexity: O(*n*), where *n* is the length of the sequence. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)