but first of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but first of" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely intended to introduce a point or idea before discussing something else, but it is incomplete and lacks clarity. Example: "But first of all, we need to address the budget issues before moving forward with the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But, first of all, I stare.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But first of all I'd better get myself settled in.

The New Yorker

But first of all we have to survive".

Independent

"But first of all – by God, believe in something".

The Guardian - Opinion

But first of all, I'm an African-American.

The New York Times

But first of all it's about the voice.

The New York Times - Arts

But first of all, I have to settle in at Arsenal.

Independent

But first, of course, Alex has a life lesson to learn about self-acceptance.

The New York Times

But, first of all, it was difficult to believe that we had only two spots.

The New Yorker

But first, of course, there would still be a war to win.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But first of all some comments on the very idea of a specified branch.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating sequence or priority, use grammatically correct alternatives like "first and foremost", "to begin with", or "primarily" instead of "but first of".

Common error

Avoid using incomplete phrases like "but first of". Always complete the thought with "all" or a similar word to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity. For example, say "but first of all" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but first of" functions as a discourse marker, attempting to introduce a primary consideration or action. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically incomplete and requires completion with "all" or a similar term to achieve grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "but first of" appears frequently across various sources, it's essential to recognize its grammatical incorrectness. Ludwig AI emphasizes that this phrase is incomplete and requires completion, typically with "all", to be grammatically sound. For clarity and correctness, it's advisable to use alternatives such as "first and foremost" or "to begin with". Despite its common usage, prioritizing grammatical accuracy enhances the professionalism and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but firstly

Replaces 'first of' with 'firstly', offering a slightly more formal tone.

but initially

Focuses on the starting point before proceeding further.

however, to begin with

Emphasizes a structured approach by explicitly stating the intention to start at the beginning.

yet, foremost

Highlights the primary importance of the initial action.

before all else, though

Stresses the priority of the initial action over everything else.

but above all

Emphasizes the supreme importance of the initial action or point.

nonetheless, primarily

Highlights the main or most important aspect to consider at the beginning.

but in the first place

Highlights the initial consideration to keep in mind.

yet, in essence

Highlights the essential first thing.

however, at the outset

Highlights the initial action or point at the beginning.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "but first of"?

You can use alternatives like "first and foremost", "to begin with", or "primarily" depending on the context.

Is "but first of" grammatically correct?

No, "but first of" is not grammatically correct in standard written English. It is usually intended to mean "but first of all" or a similar phrase.

How can I use "but first of all" correctly in a sentence?

Use "but first of all" to introduce a point or action that needs to be addressed before moving on to something else. For example, "But first of all, we need to address the budget issues before moving forward with the project".

What is the difference between "but first of" and "but firstly"?

While "but first of" is considered grammatically incorrect, "but firstly" is a more formal and acceptable alternative. It serves the same purpose of introducing the initial point.