first and foremost

USAGE SUMMARY

"first and foremost" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is the most important point or idea either in a sentence or in a list of points. For example: "First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone for coming out tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First and foremost: Really?

The New York Times

Children first and foremost.

The New York Times

First and foremost, Gonzaga.

The New York Times

It's flattering, first and foremost.

The New York Times

First and foremost is safety.

The New York Times

It's identity, first and foremost.

The New York Times

First and foremost, Dmitri Mendeleev.

Independent

First and foremost, reduce uncertainty.

The Economist

First and foremost he cherished his family.

The New York Times

Kirk was, first and foremost, a teacher.

The New Yorker

First and foremost, there's the heat.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first and foremost" to clearly signal the most critical point in a series of arguments or considerations. It helps guide your reader to the core of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "first and foremost" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in settings where a more relaxed tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first and foremost" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to emphasize priority or importance. As evidenced by Ludwig, it introduces the most crucial point, setting it apart from subsequent points. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first and foremost" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase to emphasize the primary importance of a point. Ludwig AI validated the phrase. Appearing frequently in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, it serves to highlight the most crucial aspect of a discussion or instruction. While highly effective for creating emphasis, it's best reserved for situations where a neutral to formal tone is appropriate, avoiding overuse in overly casual settings. Alternatives like "most importantly" or "above all else" can be used to achieve a similar effect. As Ludwig's examples show, it is very versatile and effective in directing your audience's attention to what matters most.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Most importantly

Highlights the greatest significance of a point.

Above all else

Emphasizes the supreme importance of something over all other considerations.

Before anything else

Stresses the priority of one thing over all others.

Primarily

Focuses on the main or chief concern.

In the first place

Indicates the initial and fundamental aspect.

Principally

Similar to primarily, but can also mean 'especially'.

To begin with

Signals the starting point or most basic element.

At the top of the list

Emphasizes hierarchical order and prioritization.

Fundamentally

Highlights the basic and essential nature of something.

Essentially

Focuses on the core or intrinsic nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "first and foremost" in a sentence?

Use "first and foremost" to introduce the most important point or consideration. For example, "First and foremost, we need to ensure everyone's safety".

What's a good alternative to "first and foremost"?

Alternatives include "most importantly", "above all else", or "primarily" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "first of all" and "first and foremost"?

"First of all" is a general way to start a list, while "first and foremost" emphasizes that the point being introduced is the most significant one. "First and foremost" carries a stronger sense of priority.

When is it appropriate to use "first and foremost"?

It's appropriate in situations where you need to highlight the single most important factor among several others, such as in formal writing, presentations, or when giving instructions.