first and foremost comedy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first and foremost comedy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that comedy is the primary or most important aspect of something being discussed. Example: "While the film has elements of drama, it is first and foremost comedy that drives the narrative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"This is first and foremost comedy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But can any sitcom handle the cruel events of Sept. 11? Larry Wilmore, executive producer of "The Bernie Mac Show," aid that while series like his did want to reflect real life and real trauma, they wouldn't tackle current events directly, because first and foremost, a comedy show had to be funny.

The New York Times

But as it's first and foremost a comedy show -- albeit one with a distinct point of view -- Bell asked Maddow about her comedic sensibilities.

HuffPost

Allen, while stressing that "A Different World" will remain first and foremost a comedy, believes that the political awareness of her own college days is still alive on college campuses in 1988.

Los Angeles Times

The series which is simultaneously serialized and vignette-style is first and foremost a comedy but includes unforgettable moments that go far deeper than most televignette-style is odes to immigrant parents, ruminations on the horrors women go through on a daily basis, inner confirsts between personanddesires and religious obligations.

Vice

Like "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," the 2006 smash that starred Mr. Baron Cohen as an anti-Semitic Kazakh journalist, "Brüno" is first and foremost a raunchy comedy featuring a not-so-bright guy who embraces sexism, racism and stereotypes as he happily goes about his business.

The New York Times

"to make it first and foremost a comedy".

The New York Times

He had comedy first and foremost in his heart".

Los Angeles Times

Season 5 made sure "BoJack" could be considered a comedy first and foremost again.

Huffington Post

First and foremost, rest the affected finger.

WikiHow

"First and foremost, sex is always going to be in comedies.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first and foremost comedy" to clearly signal that the primary intention or characteristic of something is to be comedic, especially when other elements might be present. For example, "While the show touches on serious topics, it is first and foremost comedy."

Common error

Avoid using "first and foremost comedy" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it may sound too informal or conversational for such settings. Opt for alternatives like "primarily comedic" or "essentially comedy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first and foremost comedy" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (implied or stated). It highlights that the primary characteristic of something is its comedic nature. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first and foremost comedy" is a phrase used to emphasize that the primary or most important aspect of something is its comedic nature. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable, though relatively rare in usage. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, use it to set clear expectations about the comedic intent, but avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic settings. Consider alternatives like "primarily comedy" for greater conciseness or "chiefly comedy" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily comedy

Focuses on the comedic aspect being the main element, simplifying the original phrase.

chiefly comedy

Highlights comedy as the principal feature, using a more formal tone.

above all, comedy

Stresses the importance of comedy over other elements, adding a sense of prioritization.

fundamentally comedy

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature of comedy in the subject.

essentially comedy

Points out the intrinsic comedic quality, suggesting it's a core component.

at its heart, comedy

Highlights the central comedic element, adding a more metaphorical feel.

primarily a comedic work

Rephrases to emphasize the work's overall nature as comedic.

first and foremost a comedic endeavor

Emphasizes the comedic nature of an undertaking or project.

in essence, comedy

Highlights the summary of the comedic intention of the work or project

mainly comedy

Suggests that the comedic aspect is dominant, though not necessarily exclusive.

FAQs

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

You can use "first and foremost comedy" to emphasize that comedy is the most important aspect of something. For example, "Despite its dramatic moments, the play is "first and foremost comedy"."

What are some alternatives to "first and foremost comedy"?

Alternatives include "primarily comedy", "chiefly comedy", or "above all comedy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "first and foremost comedic"?

While grammatically acceptable, "first and foremost comedy" is more common and natural-sounding. "First and foremost comedic" can work, but might sound slightly awkward in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "first and foremost comedy" and "primarily comedy"?

"First and foremost comedy" emphasizes that comedy is the most important or initial aspect to consider. "Primarily comedy" simply states that comedy is the main element, without necessarily implying a priority.