but firstly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but firstly" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a point or idea that contrasts with or adds to a previous point. Example: "I understand your concerns, but firstly, let me explain the benefits of this plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But firstly she taught self-reliance.

The Economist

"But firstly it is about content.

The Guardian

But firstly the EU should take from the US the lead on Kosovo and the Balkans.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But firstly, I want to play regularly and try to help Lille win a trophy".

The Guardian - Sport

I'll get to that in a minute, but firstly, the question is this.

Independent

Let's hope that I can score whenever I make my debut, but firstly that we win the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"[But] firstly I have to discuss, to inform members of Tibetan parliament".

The Guardian

"I'm happy to see such a reception, but… firstly, it's not self-evident that this will be the result of the elections and not self-evident that this will go on," he said.

Independent

Romney said he would be willing to take military action but favoured firstly imposing crippling sanctions.

The Guardian

But we firstly train the HR dictionary and then generate the LR dictionary according to the HR dictionary.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The εr, 2Pr and 2Mr values are not proportional to the Ni doping concentration but increase firstly and then decrease.

Ceramics International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but firstly", ensure that a subsequent point or points follow to maintain logical flow and coherence in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but firstly" if you don't intend to present a second or third point. This can make your writing seem incomplete or disorganized. If there's only one contrasting idea, "but" alone is sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but firstly" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It introduces a primary point or consideration that often contrasts with or qualifies a previous statement. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

37%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but firstly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used conjunctive phrase that serves to introduce a primary point, often in contrast to a preceding statement. Ludwig AI's analysis, backed by numerous examples from varied sources, indicates its versatility and widespread acceptance. While primarily found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, this phrase can be effectively employed across different registers to clearly signal the initial, contrasting point in an argument or discussion. Remember to follow "but firstly" with subsequent points or elaborations to maintain coherence and logical flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but notably

Emphasizes a point that is worthy of attention and stands out from others, providing a slightly stronger emphasis than "but firstly".

but mainly

Indicates the principal or chief point, putting emphasis on the most significant aspect.

but chiefly

Stresses the primary or foremost reason, emphasizing importance over sequence.

but essentially

Highlights the core or fundamental aspect, focusing on the most important element rather than the initial one.

but particularly

Draws attention to a specific aspect or detail, highlighting something noteworthy.

but mostly

Indicates the greatest part or majority, emphasizing quantity over order.

but originally

Refers to the initial state or condition, shifting the focus to the origin of something.

but predominantly

Highlights the most common or prevalent element, focusing on what is most typical.

but initially

Refers to the starting point or beginning stage, focusing on the first phase.

but secondly

Introduces a subsequent point after an initial one, continuing the sequence.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but firstly" is used to introduce a primary point that contrasts with something previously mentioned. For example, "I understand your concerns, but firstly, we need to consider the budget implications."

What phrases are similar to "but firstly"?

You can use alternatives like "but notably", "but mainly", or "but essentially" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but firstly"?

Yes, the phrase "but firstly" is grammatically correct. It is commonly used to introduce a primary point that contrasts with a previous statement.

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

"Firstly" simply introduces the first point in a sequence, whereas "but firstly" introduces a primary contrasting point before potentially continuing with further points.