first and then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first and then" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to explain the order of two events. For example: "I will answer your question first and then explain why I chose that answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We listen first, and then advise.

The Guardian

Graduate first and then we'll see".

The Guardian - Opinion

You need competition first, and then deregulation.

The New York Times

It uses fission first, and then fusion.

The New Yorker

And he jumped down first and then I come out".

The New York Times

"[It] was strong at first and then it subsided.

Independent

In Somalia, you scream first and then kiss.

The New Yorker

In FIFA, they suspend first, and then look for evidences.

Independent

We should have developed rural Iran first, and then industry.

The New Yorker

Charlotte ran in, attacking Lynch first and then flooring Banks.

Independent

"They're standoffish at first, and then they're in your face".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first and then", ensure that the sequence of events is logical and clear to the reader. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures that the intended message is effectively conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "first and then" when there are more than two steps in a process without acknowledging the intermediate actions. A more detailed explanation may be necessary to provide a complete picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first and then" functions as a temporal conjunction, connecting two sequential events or actions. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and acceptable phrase in written English. It clearly indicates the order in which things occur, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first and then" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express sequential actions or events. According to Ludwig AI, its use is correct and acceptable in written English. It is generally neutral in tone and widely used across various contexts, including news, media, science, and general writing. To enhance clarity, ensure the sequence is logical and that all necessary steps are included. Alternative phrases like "initially, followed by" or "to begin with, subsequently" can be used to add variety to your writing while conveying the same sequential meaning. Remember, the goal is to make your message clear and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially, followed by

Replaces "first" with "initially" and "then" with "followed by", emphasizing the sequence of events.

initially, after that

Replaces "first" with "initially" and "then" with "after that", emphasizing the sequence of actions.

firstly, subsequently

Adds formality by using "firstly" instead of "first" and "subsequently" instead of "then".

to begin with, subsequently

Uses "to begin with" instead of "first" and "subsequently" for "then", providing a slightly more formal tone.

at first, following that

Substitutes "at first" for "first" and "following that" for "then", providing a slightly more descriptive tone.

at the start, afterwards

Substitutes "at the start" for "first" and "afterwards" for "then", changing the emphasis slightly.

to start with, next

Uses "to start with" instead of "first" and "next" instead of "then", offering a simpler alternative.

in the first place, subsequently

Replaces "first" with "in the first place" and "then" with "subsequently", making the sequence explicit with greater emphasis.

in the beginning, later

Replaces "first" with "in the beginning" and "then" with "later", making the sequence more explicit.

primarily, next

Uses "primarily" for "first" and "next" for "then", indicating a clear progression.

FAQs

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

The phrase "first and then" is used to indicate a sequence of actions or events. For example, "We listen "first" and "then" advise."

What are some alternatives to using "first and then"?

You can use phrases like "initially, followed by", "to begin with, subsequently", or "at the start, afterwards" as alternatives to "first and then", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "first and then" together?

While "first" implies a sequence, adding "and then" can provide emphasis and clarity, especially when describing a process or series of events. It's generally acceptable and not considered redundant in most contexts.

How does the tone of "first and then" compare to other sequencing phrases?

The phrase "first and then" is generally neutral in tone. Alternatives like "initially, followed by" might sound more formal, while phrases like "to start with, next" can feel more casual.