First and foremost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "First and foremost" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the most important point or priority in a discussion or argument. Example: "First and foremost, we need to address the budget issues before moving on to other topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First and foremost: Really?

The New York Times

First and foremost, Gonzaga.

The New York Times

First and foremost is safety.

The New York Times

First and foremost, Dmitri Mendeleev.

Independent

First and foremost, reduce uncertainty.

The Economist

First and foremost he cherished his family.

The New York Times

First and foremost, there's the heat.

The Guardian

First and foremost, it must be global.

The Economist

First and foremost we must qualify.

Independent

First and foremost, IE9 is amazingly fast.

The New York Times

First and foremost, they respect pure talent.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "First and foremost" to clearly signal the most critical element in a series of points to ensure your audience grasps the main priority immediately.

Common error

Avoid using "First and foremost" in very simple or obvious situations where a more direct word like "first" would suffice; reserve it for emphasizing genuine importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "First and foremost" functions as an adverbial phrase used to modify a verb or clause. It serves to emphasize the primary importance of the statement that follows. As Ludwig AI's examples show, it's used to introduce the most crucial point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "First and foremost" is a grammatically sound and widely used adverbial phrase that signals the highest priority or importance. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources, indicates its prevalence in news and media, as well as encyclopedic and Wiki contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where emphasis is truly needed, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts. Consider alternatives like "above all else" or "primarily" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Above all else

Focuses on the supreme importance, even more strongly.

Primarily

Indicates the main reason or purpose, slightly less emphatic.

Most importantly

Highlights the greatest importance, similar but less formal.

To begin with

Used to introduce the first point, often implying a sequence.

In the first place

Emphasizes the initial consideration or argument.

Principally

Similar to primarily, denoting the main aspect.

Foremost

Shorter and more direct, but carries the same meaning.

Before anything else

Stresses the urgency and priority.

Essentially

Focuses on the fundamental or core aspect.

Fundamentally

Highlights the basic and crucial nature.

FAQs

How can I use "First and foremost" in a sentence?

"First and foremost" is typically used to introduce the most important point or priority. For example, "First and foremost, we need to secure funding for the project."

What are some alternatives to saying "First and foremost"?

You can use alternatives like "above all else", "primarily", or "most importantly" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "Firstly and foremost"?

Yes, "firstly and foremost" is generally considered redundant because both words convey the idea of primary importance. It's better to use either "firstly" or "first and foremost" but not both together.

What's the difference between "First and foremost" and "In the first place"?

"First and foremost" emphasizes the highest priority or importance, whereas "in the first place" indicates an initial point, often in a sequence of arguments or considerations.