always comes first

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "always comes first" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to draw attention to the fact that something is always done, or comes before something else. For example, "Preparation always comes first; that way you can be ready for the task at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The horseshoe always comes first.

The New York Times

Our family always comes first.

The New York Times

It always comes first".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I know that safety always comes first".

The New York Times - Sports

My family always comes first".

The New York Times

"The learning always comes first.

The Guardian

The party always comes first".

The Guardian - Music

The work always comes first.

The Guardian - Arts

"Theatre always comes first, emotionally.

The Guardian

To me, family always comes first".

The New York Times

"Usage always comes first at Google".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always comes first" to set expectations or establish rules, especially in environments where consistent priorities are essential, like in project management, family values, or ethical guidelines.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "always comes first" without providing specific examples or explanations. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "is the priority" or "takes precedence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always comes first" functions as an idiomatic expression used to emphasize priority or precedence. It highlights that something is consistently considered more important than other things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

23%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "always comes first" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize priority or precedence. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use across various contexts, from news and media to science and general discussions. It’s crucial to provide clear context when using this phrase to specify what is being prioritized. While "always comes first" is versatile, varying your language with synonyms like "takes precedence" or "is the priority" can enhance your writing. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively communicate the importance of something in any given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is top priority

Another way to explicitly express that something is most important.

comes before everything else

This phrase highlights that nothing is more important.

is the priority

This alternative directly states that something is most important.

is of utmost importance

This alternative stresses the extreme significance of something.

is the first consideration

Highlights the initial element to think about.

takes precedence

This alternative suggests a formal or official sense of priority.

is the main concern

Focuses on the primary worry or focus.

is paramount

This alternative emphasizes the supreme importance of something.

ranks highest

Implies a ranking system where something is at the top.

supersedes all else

This alternative means something takes priority over everything.

FAQs

How can I use "always comes first" in a sentence?

You can use "always comes first" to indicate a top priority, as in, "Safety "always comes first" in our lab."

What are some alternatives to "always comes first"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is the priority", "takes precedence", or "is paramount".

Is it grammatically correct to say "always comes first"?

Yes, the phrase "always comes first" is grammatically sound and widely used in English to denote precedence or high priority.

What's the difference between "always comes first" and "should come first"?

"Always comes first" implies an established rule or consistent priority, while "should come first" suggests a recommendation or desired priority.