first and subsequently

USAGE SUMMARY

"first and subsequently" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a sentence to describe a sequence of actions or events - for example, "The company first increased staff pay, and subsequently increased its profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The six-atom pyrimidine ring is synthesized first and subsequently attached to the ribose phosphate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first, and subsequently most famous, resident inmate, Mary Barnes, regressed to infancy for a time, smearing the walls with her faeces, squealing for attention and being fed with a bottle.

The Guardian - Books

With further cooling, in some cases the first and subsequently formed crystals will react continuously with the remaining liquid, thereby maintaining equilibrium; when the liquid becomes totally crystallized, the system will consist of homogeneous plagioclase crystals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Performance measures are identified first and subsequently connected to risks.

International Journal of Production Economics

This will provide a more complete account of how sexual abuse incidents first, and subsequently, unfold.

Crime Science

Like ICP, NetMatcher matches vertices first, and subsequently matches edges that are connected to matched vertices.

European Transport Research Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

If the questionnaire evoked no response, a second and subsequently a third mail were issued.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

If the questionnaire evoked no response, a second and subsequently a third reminder were issued.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

From 1963 to 1968, he held the positions of second, and subsequently first, secretary of the Gorky Komsomol, and later became Chairman of the Committee of Youth Organisations, which he held for 12 years.

Wikipedia

Her scheduled second (and subsequently third) immunization was cancelled due to Bell's palsy affecting Case 1.

Plosone

The tube was sonicated in a waterbath for 30 seconds and subsequently vortexed for 10 seconds.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first and subsequently" to clearly indicate a sequence of events, especially when the order is crucial to understanding the process or outcome. For example, "The data was collected first and subsequently analyzed to identify trends."

Common error

While "first and subsequently" is appropriate in formal contexts, avoid overusing it in informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "first and then" or "initially and later" might be more suitable for less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first and subsequently" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, linking two clauses or events in a sequential manner. Ludwig provides examples of this usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

82%

News & Media

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first and subsequently" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to connect events in chronological order. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal writing but may sound stilted in informal contexts. While the phrase is common across multiple domains, it appears most frequently in scientific literature. When aiming for clarity and precision in describing sequential actions, "first and subsequently" is a reliable choice. However, remember to consider the overall tone and audience when deciding if a simpler alternative might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firstly and then

This alternative is a direct synonym, but the use of "firstly" can sound slightly stilted in modern English.

to begin with and subsequently

This alternative emphasizes the starting point before the following action.

initially and then

This alternative offers a more straightforward and less formal way to express sequence.

initially followed by

This alternative is more concise and emphasizes that the second event is a direct consequence of the first.

at first and later

This alternative is less formal and emphasizes the time difference between the two events.

in the beginning and thereafter

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a sense of continuation.

primarily and afterwards

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the temporal sequence.

at the outset and afterwards

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the initial phase.

to start with and next

This alternative is simple and emphasizes the order of events.

first off and then

This alternative is informal and commonly used in spoken language.

FAQs

How to use "first and subsequently" in a sentence?

Use "first and subsequently" to connect two actions or events that occur in a specific order, emphasizing that the second action follows the first. For example, "The proposal was reviewed "first and subsequently" approved by the board".

What can I say instead of "first and subsequently"?

You can use alternatives like "initially and then", "at first and later", or "primarily and afterwards" depending on the context.

Is "first and subsequently" formal or informal?

"First and subsequently" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal writing or speech, simpler alternatives like "first and then" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "first and subsequently" and "first and afterwards"?

While both phrases indicate a sequence of events, "first and subsequently" is often used to imply a logical or causal connection between the two actions. "First and afterwards" simply indicates that one event followed the other in time, without necessarily implying a strong connection.