as a first thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a first thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that should be done before anything else. For example, "As a first thing, I'll make sure to turn off all the lights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

According to some versions of the theory, an idea is referred to as a tertium quid, that is, as a third thing.

SEP

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

The New Yorker

Part of what is distinctive about metaphorical likening in particular is that in resorting to it, we speak of one thing or kind (the primary subject) as and in terms of a second thing or kind (the secondary subject).

SEP

Peter Bregman, author of the bestselling time management book 18 Minutes, advises to make a plan as the first thing to do when you begin your day.

Forbes

Never eat anything that has a sugar as the first thing on the ingredients list.

WikiHow

As a prosecutor, the first thing I do when I get a case is to Google the victim, the suspect, and all the material witnesses.

Huffington Post

Since we have so far looked at the book's qualities as a novel, the first thing to say is that it is an effective literary device.

The Guardian - Books

As a musician, the first thing you do when you get here is go to a music shop and buy the latest gadget.

Vice

As a CEO, the first thing I learned was to effectively utilize the resources available to me.

Harvard Business Review

As a writer, the first thing you learn from your peers is how to blame other people.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, clearly state "as a first thing" to ensure the initial action is not overlooked.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex sentence structures when incorporating "as a first thing". Keep the sentence clear and direct to emphasize the priority of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a first thing" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating when an action should be performed in relation to other actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a first thing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the priority of an initial action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While not extremely frequent, it appears across various contexts, including news, wikis, and business communications, indicating its versatility. When writing, ensure that you use it to clearly signal the initial step in a sequence, and avoid overly complex sentence structures to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an initial step

Emphasizes the beginning of a process with a formal tone. It suggests a structured approach to a task.

as a preliminary measure

Highlights the preparatory nature of the action. It is suitable for formal contexts where careful planning is involved.

to begin with

Presents a simpler and more direct way to introduce the first action. It is less formal and suitable for everyday conversations.

in the first place

Highlights the foundational importance of the first action. It often carries a sense of justification or necessity.

at the outset

Indicates the very beginning of a process or project. It is more formal and often used in professional settings.

initially

Offers a concise way to express the first action or consideration. It is versatile and fits various contexts.

as a starting point

Emphasizes the beginning of a process from which further actions will follow. It suggests a strategic or planned approach.

to start off

Provides a casual and straightforward way to introduce the first action. It is suitable for informal conversations and instructions.

first and foremost

Highlights the paramount importance of the first action. It is often used to emphasize priorities in a persuasive manner.

primarily

Indicates the main or most important action to begin with. It is concise and suitable for various contexts where focus is needed.

FAQs

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

Use "as a first thing" to introduce the initial step or action in a sequence. For example, "As a first thing, ensure all safety protocols are followed."

What are some alternatives to "as a first thing"?

You can use alternatives such as "to begin with", "initially", or "as an initial step" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "as a first thing"?

Yes, "as a first thing" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate the initial action in a series of steps.

In what situations is "as a first thing" most appropriate?

It's most appropriate when giving instructions, setting priorities, or outlining a sequence of actions where the order is important. For a more formal tone, consider using "as a preliminary measure".