as first item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as first item" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to indicate the initial position in a list or sequence, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "Please list the tasks, starting with the first item."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Catch Armlet of Mordiggian as first item.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is no disputing that Descartes characterizes the cogito as the "first item of knowledge [cognitione]" (Med. 3, AT 7 35); as the first "piece of knowledge [cognitio]" (Prin. 1 194, AT 8a:7).

SEP

But it set the scene for his mandate to axe the carbon tax as his first item of business.

The Guardian

I think that's the only time I've seen the QEII as the first item on BBC news".

Independent

A spokesman for Hunt told Guardian Australia he would be "honouring the election promise of introducing the carbon tax repeal as the first item of legislative business" when parliament resumes next week.

The Guardian

Drat - that's a lot of recycling bags I've contaminated, and now I have a coffee lid as the first item in my very own "pile of shame".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The corrections department annual report, covering youth and adult justice, has "reduce recidivism" as the first item on a list of goals for the next year, but its 2015-16 budget predicts an increase in the daily average youth detention population.

The Guardian

What was really extraordinary, said Margo Lion, the show's lead producer, is that three-quarters of those sales came through the Internet, where a Google search of the phrase "wedding singer" returns as its first item an ad box leading to the official site.

The New York Times

But none of Mr Rudd's changes matches the historical resonance of a statement he plans to make on February 13th: a formal apology to Australia's indigenous people for past injustices under European settlement.Mr Rudd is making sure the apology is heard far and wide: he has listed it as the first item of business in Parliament's new session in Canberra.

The Economist

He drove it home that day as the first item in a vintage-car collection now worth some $3 million.

Huffington Post

Leonie Ashfield, a spokeswoman for Christie's, told AOL Weird News earlier this month that the item had already attracted significant attention as the first item belonging to Capone they have auctioned in at least a decade.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to indicate the first element in a series, use the construction "as the first item" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "as first item" without the definite article "the". It's grammatically unconventional. Instead, opt for "as the first item" for a clearer and more standard expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as first item" functions as a prepositional phrase attempting to specify the position or order of something within a sequence. However, it's grammatically incomplete. The phrase "as the first item" is the correct alternative.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as first item" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, it is better to use "as the first item" instead. This alternative is more grammatically sound and commonly accepted. While the intended meaning is generally understood, adhering to standard grammatical conventions is recommended for clearer and more effective communication. When referring to elements in a list, consider the alternatives and always prioritize clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the first item

Uses a definite article, making it grammatically correct and more specific.

as an initial item

Replaces "first" with "initial", emphasizing the beginning nature.

initially

A single-word adverb describing something done at the beginning.

as a starting point

Focuses on the concept of a beginning or foundation.

as a primary consideration

Highlights importance rather than strict sequential position.

as the foremost item

Implies prominence and priority, but with a slightly more formal tone.

as a preliminary matter

Indicates something addressed before others, usually in a formal setting.

first and foremost

Emphasizes the highest priority or importance.

to begin with

A common way to introduce the first point or action.

at the outset

Refers to the commencement or start of something.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "as first item"?

The grammatically correct way to express this is "as the first item". The inclusion of "the" makes the phrase standard and easily understood.

Can I use "as initial item" instead of "as first item"?

While not as common, "as an initial item" might be suitable in certain contexts. However, "as the first item" is generally preferred for clarity and correctness.

Is there a difference between "as the first item" and "firstly"?

"Firstly" is an adverb used to introduce the first point in a list. "As the first item" typically refers to identifying something within a set or list.

When should I use "as the first item"?

Use "as the first item" when you are specifically referencing something's position in a sequence or list. For example, "As the first item on the agenda, we will discuss budget allocations."