first I hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first I hope" is not correct in standard written English as it lacks clarity and context.
It could be used in a context where someone is expressing a sequence of thoughts or wishes, but it would typically need additional information to be clear. Example: "First I hope to finish my project, and then I will celebrate my success."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Addressed to "Abul Atta" at the "Aghanistan base," it begins: "At first, I hope that you are all right, and I hope that Allah protects you.

The New York Times

First, I hope we'll see signs of a long term plan to give all talented students greater choice by expanding uncapped places beyond the current AAB+ proposals.

The Guardian

But first, I hope my fellow music lovers will plead to return the talk to WNYC-AM and save our daytime classical FM station.

The New York Times

First, I hope you'll read "Hurricane Sandy's Real Lesson…will we learn it?" — a post by William H. Hooke, a senior policy fellow at the American Meteorological Society who's made the transition to online communication with more facility than some people half his age.

The New York Times

I am one of the four million, and as the BBC is looking for ways to cut costs – sorry, deliver quality first – I hope the funds will be found to extend the life of MOTD beyond the end of next season, when its current deal expires.

The Guardian - Sport

If one of us has to go first, I hope it's me because I can't imagine life without you.' " DAVID T. WOOLEY A Decorating Officer Anyone could see that it was a strange combination of jobs, fighting fires and interior decorating.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

At first I hoped she'd get better.

The Guardian - Film

At first I hoped someone would fix me up, but no one did.

The New York Times

At first, I hoped that Desplechin, working with a screenplay he co-wrote with Kent Jones and Julie Peyr, was going to match psychoanalysis and Indian religion as two kinds of intricate but emotionally satisfying inspiration — two dreams about dreaming — but I was wrong.

The New Yorker

"At first I hoped to get them into production, all three of them, and it became clear that I'm a graphic designer," she said, adding that it takes more than a year to produce items like this.

The New York Times

That first clause is a prevarication, and the second I hope is untrue.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity and grammatical correctness, rephrase "first I hope" to more standard alternatives like "initially, I hope" or "to begin with, I hope".

Common error

Avoid using "first I hope" in formal writing, as the structure is grammatically unconventional and can sound awkward. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives such as "initially, I hope" or rephrase the sentence to lead with 'I hope'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first I hope" functions as an introductory expression, aiming to preface a statement of desire or expectation. However, its non-standard grammatical structure, as noted by Ludwig, often requires rephrasing for clarity and better flow.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "first I hope" appears across various contexts, from news articles to formal documents, it's grammatically unconventional. Ludwig AI suggests it is not correct in standard written English. The analysis indicates that its purpose is to express a desire or expectation, often as an introduction. For improved clarity and formality, it's advisable to use alternatives such as "initially, I hope" or "to begin with, I hope". Although it might surface in informal settings, rephrasing is recommended for professional or academic writing. The phrase's infrequent usage patterns underscore the importance of opting for more grammatically sound alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially I hope

Replaces "first" with "initially" for a more formal and grammatically standard structure.

to begin with I hope

Uses "to begin with" to introduce the hope, creating a clearer introductory phrase.

first and foremost I hope

Adds emphasis while maintaining a structured introductory element.

first I am hoping

Changes the verb tense to present continuous, softening the statement and giving it a more conversational tone.

I initially hope

Reorders the phrase to place "I" before "initially," improving flow and clarity.

firstly I hope

Substitutes "first" with "firstly," offering a more traditional listing format.

I hope initially

Rearranges the phrase for a slightly more natural flow, emphasizing the hope itself.

my initial hope is

Transforms the phrase into a noun phrase, providing a clearer and more direct expression of intent.

first I trust

Replaces "hope" with "trust", focusing on reliance rather than expectation.

I expect first

Replaces "hope" with "expect" for a stronger assertion, while keeping "first" in place. Emphasizes anticipation rather than wish.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "first I hope"?

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

Is "first I hope" grammatically correct?

The phrase "first I hope" is not considered grammatically standard in formal English. It's often better to rephrase it for clarity.

How to use "first I hope" in a sentence?

While not recommended for formal writing, you might use it in informal conversation. However, it's generally better to rephrase for clarity, like "Initially, I hope to..."

Which is correct, "first I hope" or "initially I hope"?

"Initially I hope" is generally preferred over "first I hope" due to its clearer grammatical structure and wider acceptance in standard English. It flows better and is less likely to sound awkward.