first and also

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first and also" is not correct and sounds awkward in written English.
It is not commonly used, and it may confuse readers due to the redundancy of "first" and "also" together. Example: "First and also, we need to consider the budget before making any decisions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

There Lee distinguished himself by winning a rare double first and also became an ardent Socialist.

The New Yorker

I am debating if this will be my first and also my last parade.

The New York Times

The question of sovereignty is first and also, what is the aim?" Where is that unwavering war cry?

The New York Times

Yet it is hard for even the bravest not to feel vulnerable or despondent at first — and also cold.

The New York Times

Byrd doubled pumped in his delivery before striking out Ortiz in the first and also retired Ortiz with two runners on in the third.

The New York Times - Sports

In his next movie, "If Ever I See You Again," Mr. Brooks did everything he did for the first, and also starred.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Pena played third, batted eighth and also had two hits.

The New York Times

Moore had set up Kandol's second and also passed to Jake Leberl for the fourth.

The Guardian - Sport

Benesch beat his German teammate Christoph Langen by 0.21 seconds and also earned the European title.

The New York Times - Sports

Nevin added a two-run double in the eighth and also scored three runs.

The New York Times - Sports

She now has a third, and also broke a world record.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "first and also" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more grammatically accepted alternatives such as "first and foremost" or "initially and subsequently" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Don't combine "first" with "also" as it creates redundancy. Using "first" already implies a sequence, and "also" redundantly adds another element of addition, resulting in an awkward construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first and also" functions as a conjunctive phrase, attempting to link two sequential or additive elements. However, due to the inherent redundancy, it often results in grammatical awkwardness and is generally discouraged in formal writing, as noted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "first and also" appears in various contexts, ranging from news articles to scientific papers, it's generally considered grammatically awkward and redundant. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that more precise and grammatically sound alternatives like "first and foremost" or "initially and subsequently" are preferable. The high frequency of the phrase is misleading; as Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is not correct and it's best to avoid "first and also" in formal writing to maintain clarity and professionalism. Despite its occurrence in common sources, its usage is typically discouraged. Remember, effective communication prioritizes clarity, and "first and also" often falls short.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first and foremost

Emphasizes priority and importance more effectively than "first and also".

first and in addition

More formal and grammatically sound way to introduce an additional point.

initially and subsequently

Highlights a sequence of events or points in a more structured manner.

to begin with, and furthermore

Adds a layer of formality and elaboration to the introduction of points.

first, plus

A more concise and informal way to add an additional point after the first.

firstly, moreover

Offers a structured approach, suitable for formal contexts, in presenting ideas.

first off, and also

Slightly less formal than "first and also" but still maintains the additive meaning.

first, as well as

Clear and direct way to introduce a primary point and then add another.

primarily and then

Implies a sequence with emphasis on what comes first before proceeding.

at the beginning and also

Focuses on temporal sequence, useful when describing processes or steps.

FAQs

What phrases can I use instead of "first and also"?

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

Why is "first and also" considered awkward?

The phrase "first and also" is considered awkward because the word "first" already implies a sequence or order, and adding "also" creates a redundant and grammatically weak construction.

Is there a difference between "first and also" and "first and foremost"?

"First and foremost" emphasizes the importance and priority of the initial point, whereas "first and also" attempts to simply add another point without stressing importance. "First and foremost" is the preferred, grammatically correct expression.

Can I use "first and also" in informal writing?

While it might be understood in very informal contexts, it's best to avoid using "first and also" even in informal writing due to its awkwardness. Opt for simpler alternatives like "first and then".