before anything else

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before anything else" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that one thing should come before any other thing. For example: "Before anything else, I would like to thank everyone for their support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I heard his vision before anything else.

The New York Times

It was there before anything else.

The Guardian - Music

I'm a human being before anything else".

The Guardian - Film

Lastly, a Leica is, before anything else, a 35-mm.

The New Yorker

"Worry about that before anything else," he said.

The New York Times

It has to make business sense before anything else".

The New York Times

"Before anything else, I'm a Muslim," Erdogan said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Before anything else, the troupe is a family.

The New York Times - Arts

"He was, before anything else, a son and a brother".

The Guardian - Sport

I wish people would just put humanity before anything else.

The Guardian

"The wellbeing of my children must come before anything else," he wrote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, begin with the most critical step using "before anything else" to ensure that it isn't overlooked.

Common error

Avoid using "before anything else" when the context doesn't truly warrant a prioritization. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound overly emphatic when no special emphasis is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before anything else" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It indicates the order of priority, emphasizing that something must be considered or done prior to anything else. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before anything else" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the utmost importance of a particular action or consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is seen very often in different contexts like News & Media, Wiki, and Science. To ensure appropriate and impactful usage, be mindful of the context and avoid overuse. Using alternatives like "first and foremost" or "above all else" will give variety and also clarity where emphasis is due. Therefore, master its strategic use, which is vital for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before all else

Stresses the priority above everything else.

first and foremost

Emphasizes the order of importance more directly.

above all else

Highlights the superior importance of something.

primarily

Focuses on the main concern or action.

in the first place

Highlights the initial or fundamental aspect.

to begin with

Indicates the starting point or initial action.

as a first step

Highlights the action as an initial measure.

more importantly

Emphasizes significance over a previous point.

to start with

Implies a sequence where something must happen first.

fundamentally

Focuses on the essential or foundational aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "before anything else" in a sentence?

Use "before anything else" to emphasize the first and most important action or consideration. For example, "Before anything else, make sure you have all the necessary materials."

What phrases can I use instead of "before anything else"?

You can use alternatives like "first and foremost", "above all else", or "primarily" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "first" and "before anything else" together?

While not strictly incorrect, using "first, before anything else" can be redundant. It's generally better to choose one for clarity. For example just use "first and foremost".

What is the difference between "before anything else" and "in addition"?

"Before anything else" indicates priority, while "in addition" introduces supplementary information. They serve different functions in structuring information.