but first

USAGE SUMMARY

"But first" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is important to do before something else. For example: "I need to do my laundry, but first I need to finish this report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BUT first, do your research.

The New York Times

But first… Cry uncle!

The New Yorker

But first, the present.

Independent

But first: a gala.

The New York Times - Arts

But first, a question.

Independent

But first mourning night?

The New Yorker

But first think back.

The New Yorker

But first, baby steps.

The New York Times

But first, the puzzle.

The New York Times

But first came love.

The New York Times

But first, to stretch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but first" to clearly signal a necessary preliminary step before moving on to the main topic or action. This enhances clarity and helps structure your writing effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "but first" in excessively long or convoluted sentences where the connection between the preliminary action and the main topic becomes unclear. Keep sentences concise to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but first" functions as a conjunctive adverb or discourse marker. It serves to introduce a preliminary action, condition, or consideration that must be addressed before moving on to the main topic or action. Ludwig confirms its common use for this purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but first" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunctive adverb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to introduce a preliminary step, action, or thought that needs attention before moving on to the main subject. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its register is generally neutral. To enhance clarity in writing, ensure that the preliminary action introduced by "but first" is directly relevant and the sentence structure remains concise. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "however, before that" or "yet, initially" to achieve a similar effect. Avoid using "but first" in overly complex sentences to maintain the flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, before that

Emphasizes the contrast and temporal sequence more explicitly.

yet, initially

Highlights the contrast and the starting point.

nonetheless, to begin with

Similar in function but with a slightly more formal tone.

nevertheless, let's start with

Introduces a concession before proceeding.

even so, primarily

Highlights the initial aspect despite what precedes.

even though, at the outset

Highlights a condition and then the beginning action.

despite that, originally

Emphasizes the original state, contrasting with what follows.

in spite of that, as a first step

Introduces an action as the initial part of a process.

on the other hand, as an initial matter

Presents a contrasting viewpoint with an introductory action.

conversely, in the beginning

Highlights a change of direction with an opening statement.

FAQs

How can I use "but first" in a sentence?

Use "but first" to introduce an action or idea that needs to be addressed before proceeding to the main point. For example, "We need to gather the data, but first, we must define our objectives."

What are some alternatives to "but first"?

You can use alternatives like "however, before that", "yet, initially", or "nonetheless, to begin with" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but first"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but first". The conjunction "but" is often used to begin sentences for emphasis or to create a contrast with the preceding statement.

What's the difference between "but first" and "firstly"?

"But first" introduces a preliminary action or idea, often in contrast to what follows. "Firstly" is a formal enumeration marker, indicating the first item in a list. Use "firstly" when listing points in order, and "but first" when prioritizing a preliminary step.