a first thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first thing" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you are referring to the initial item or action in a sequence, but it is better to use more conventional phrasing. Example: "Before we proceed, let's address a first thing: the budget for the project."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the learning curve to get the first thing working is really large in that environment; you can't really do it as a first thing".

The Guardian

A first thing to note is that the cross covariance M k in the KF and its ensemble equivalent ({bar {M}}_{k}) should not be influenced by additive measurement noise e k.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

A first thing to notice is that the number of email addresses is three times bigger than the number of phone numbers, emphasizing the facility to acquire mailboxes for malevolent purposes.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

As he sees its, God is the immediate cause of a first thing acted upon and a cause through mediation of the effects of the first thing acted upon and so on.

SEP

A first thing we observed was that not all the characters used by Liu [27] had word frequencies.

Plosone

A first thing to note from the figure is the composition of the experimental foods (filled squares for wet foods and hollow squares for dry foods).

Behavioral Ecology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Then a second thing happened.

The New York Times

We are a third thing, a distinct mode of transportation, requiring different practices and different rules.

The New York Times

There was to be a fourth thing, but as yet he knew nothing of it.

The New Yorker

If I were to add a sixth thing, it would be naked selfies.

The New York Times - Books

And a second thing is that you get to tell whether they like teaching.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "a first thing" is understandable, consider using more standard phrases like "the first point" or "initially" for clearer and more professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a first thing" in formal contexts where precision and clarity are paramount. Opt for more formal alternatives like "the initial step" or "the primary consideration."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first thing" functions as a noun phrase identifying an initial item, action or consideration. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is not considered standard in written English. It may be used to introduce a beginning point, but more conventional phrasing is generally preferred.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a first thing" is used to indicate an initial point or consideration. However, Ludwig AI suggests that this phrase is not standard in written English and can sound awkward. While it is understandable, more precise and formal alternatives like "the first point", "initially", or "the primary concern" are recommended, especially in academic or professional contexts. Though found in various sources including news, science, and even wiki articles, opting for more standard phrasing will enhance clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the first point

More concise and common way to refer to the initial item in a discussion.

the initial consideration

Formal alternative emphasizing the beginning of a thought process.

the primary concern

Focuses on the most important item to address at the start.

the starting point

Emphasizes the commencement of an action or discussion.

an initial step

Highlights the first action in a series of steps.

the foremost issue

Highlights the most important issue that needs to be addressed initially.

the opening move

Metaphorical term used for the initial action in a strategic context.

an early task

Highlights a task that should be handled in the early stages of a process.

the preliminary matter

Highlights a formal item that should be addressed at the start.

the basic element

Referring to the initial or essential part.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a first thing"?

You can use alternatives like "the first point", "the initial consideration", or "the primary concern" depending on the context.

Is "a first thing" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "a first thing" is not the most standard or elegant phrasing. It's generally better to use alternatives like "the first step" or "initially" for improved clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "a first thing"?

It might be acceptable in informal contexts or casual conversation, but it's best to avoid it in formal writing where precise language is preferred. Consider using phrases like "the initial point" or "the primary issue" instead.

How can I use "a first thing" in a sentence?

Instead of saying "A first thing to note is...", try "The first point to note is..." or "Initially, we should note...". This provides a clearer and more professional tone.