as a first piece

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a first piece" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing an initial element or component in a series or discussion. Example: "As a first piece, I would like to present the background information on the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As a first piece of work, it was absolutely seminal.

The Guardian

As a first piece of evidence to support this assertion, we found that overexpression of hbox12 severely perturbs DV polarity in embryos ubiquitously translating the synthetic full-length hbox12 mRNA as well as in chimeric specimens bearing the hbox12 transcript in the animal hemisphere.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Construction workers removed a first piece earlier this month as part of a plan to make a road to a new luxury apartment complex.

Independent

Construction workers removed a first piece earlier this month as part of a plan to make a road to a new apartment complex.

The New York Times

A reader identified as billyjoe did this on a recent trip to Amsterdam by checking a bicycle as a second piece of luggage.

The New York Times

While most airlines allow small instruments, such as violins, as part of the carry-on baggage allowance, some count it as a second piece of luggage and charge for it.

The Economist

The evidence is not irrefutable, but the conclusion is also based on traces of plutonium found on the canisters concerned, as well as a third piece of evidence not so far made public.

The Economist

There's no need to button up the jacket, it serves as a second piece to tie together the outfit.

WikiHow

Numerous videos seen by Guardian Australia show guards – often the emergency response team (ERT) – using allegedly excessive force to deal with incidents as insignificant as taking a second piece of fruit or asking kitchen staff for more garlic.

The Guardian

This negotiation often includes decisions as trivial as whether to eat a second piece of pie, and as important as whether to have medical treatment that may or may not prolong your life.

HuffPost

If you do not like the look of a single layer, however, you can double this part of the hat up, as well, by adding a second piece of equal dimensions.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a first piece", ensure it clearly introduces an initial component, argument, or element. It works best when followed by subsequent pieces or steps.

Common error

Avoid using "as a first piece" if there are no subsequent components or steps. Overusing it can make your writing sound redundant. Instead, consider using a simpler introductory phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a first piece" functions as a prepositional phrase. It typically introduces the initial element or component in a series, argument, or explanation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, confirming its introductory role.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a first piece" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to introduce an initial element or component. Though relatively rare in occurrence, according to Ludwig, it maintains a neutral register and appears across diverse sources, including news, science, and wiki contexts. Alternatives such as "as an initial step" or "to begin with" can be employed depending on the desired level of formality. Ensure its use is justified by the presence of subsequent elements to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an initial step

This alternative highlights the beginning or starting point of an action or process, similar to introducing a first piece.

as a preliminary component

This phrase emphasizes the preparatory or introductory nature of the piece.

as a starting element

Focuses on the foundational aspect, indicating that it's the element from which something begins.

as an opening gambit

Suggests a strategic or tactical initial move, which may not always be applicable but can fit some contexts.

in the initial phase

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of being at the beginning of a project or process.

at the outset

Indicates the very beginning of something, similar to introducing a first component.

to begin with

A common and straightforward way to indicate the start of a series or discussion.

as a primary segment

Highlights that the component is important and one of the first considered.

in the initial stages

More suited for contexts dealing with the evolution of something over time.

initially

A concise adverb indicating that something is happening at the beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "as a first piece" in a sentence?

You can use "as a first piece" to introduce the initial element or component in a series or discussion. For example, "As a first piece, I would like to present the background information on the topic."

What can I say instead of "as a first piece"?

You can use alternatives like "as an initial step", "as a preliminary component", or "as a starting element" depending on the context.

Is "as a first piece" formal or informal?

The phrase "as a first piece" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, alternatives like "initially" or "at the outset" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "as a first piece" and "firstly"?

"As a first piece" introduces an initial element or component, whereas "firstly" is an adverb used to introduce the first point in a list or series of arguments. They serve slightly different functions but can sometimes be used interchangeably depending on the context.