always eats first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always eats first" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something or someone consistently takes priority in receiving food or attention before others. Example: "In our household, the dog always eats first before the rest of us sit down for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The big dog always eats first".

Forbes

The leader in a wild pack always eats first.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Why do the big dogs always eat first in Congress?" asked Representative Jay Inslee, Democrat of Washington.

The New York Times

Broccoli and parsnips would fly off the shelves, leaving bewildered fruit yelping: "Hang on – we always get eaten first!" Alas, the taste of veg just doesn't match up to other foodstuffs – especially if you don't wash the soil off first – and most of them take ages to cook.

The Guardian - Opinion

Earl's etiquette tips tend to be x-tremely memorable, though, from how to deal with a grease fire ("do not urinate on flames") to his tip for remembering which fork to use: "Did you know that animals on the outside of a herd always get eaten first?

The New York Times - Books

There are those who will eat only foods that have not touched on the plate, who eat the same thing for lunch every day of the year, who always eat their carrots first and their meatloaf second.

The New York Times - Science

"She always eats the three-day old bread and wears second-hand clothes," said Mr. Lafferty.

The New York Times

Two hours before the water extraction from these tanks, we fed each dragonfly one I. elegans damselfly larva which was always eaten within the first 10 min.

Evolutionary Applications

In addition, you should always eat your food FIRST and then feed the Husky.

WikiHow

First, always eat breakfast.

Huffington Post

9. Always eat lunch and always eat dinner.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing social hierarchies or pack behavior, use "always eats first" to illustrate dominance or priority.

Common error

Avoid using "always eats first" when you mean 'frequently eats early'. The phrase implies absolute consistency, so ensure the context justifies this strong claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always eats first" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating a habitual or consistent action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It specifies the timing and priority of the eating action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "always eats first" signifies a consistent priority or dominance in a feeding scenario. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and while relatively uncommon, its usage spans from describing animal behavior to business strategies. It's important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the context reflects a genuine pattern of precedence. Consider alternatives like "consistently gets the first bite" or "is invariably served first" for subtly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gets to eat before everyone else

Directly states the act of eating before others, emphasizing the exclusivity.

consistently gets the first bite

This alternative emphasizes the act of receiving the first portion, highlighting the consistent nature of the action.

always gets the initial serving

This alternative highlights the receipt of the first portion or serving of food.

is consistently fed before others

Highlights the consistency and the act of being fed by someone else, prior to others.

is invariably served first

This alternative focuses on the act of being served, suggesting a passive reception of priority in dining.

is always the first to be fed

Focuses on being fed, implying someone else is providing the food and prioritizing them.

is the first to eat without fail

This alternative stresses the reliability and certainty of being the first to eat.

receives the initial meal without exception

Emphasizes the receipt of the first meal and the lack of any exceptions to this rule.

habitually dines ahead of others

This alternative uses more formal language and focuses on the habitual aspect of eating before others.

is privileged to eat first

Suggests a special right or advantage to eat before others.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "always eats first" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is invariably served first" or "habitually dines ahead of others". These options convey a similar meaning while using more sophisticated vocabulary.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "always eats first"?

This phrase is suitable when describing hierarchical eating orders, such as in animal packs or within family dynamics where one individual consistently receives food before others.

What is the difference between "gets to eat before everyone else" and "always eats first"?

While both phrases indicate priority in eating, "always eats first" suggests a consistent, unchanging pattern, whereas "gets to eat before everyone else" may imply a more circumstantial or occasional precedence.

Is "is always the first to be fed" the same as "always eats first"?

"Always eats first" implies the subject initiates the eating, while "is always the first to be fed" suggests someone else is providing the food. The latter implies a passive role in receiving the food.