first item today

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first item today" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce the initial topic or agenda item in a discussion, meeting, or presentation. Example: "Let's start our meeting with the first item today, which is the budget review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Look at our first item today.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Above a sign that read "My First Item 1955" was a small brass plate from Perth Amboy, New Jersey — a cover for an interlock, the mechanism that keeps the doors closed when an elevator is on the move.

The New Yorker

They're actually planning on shipping their millionth item this month, which I'm sure will be followed by no small amount of celebration.

TechCrunch

Look the first item in today's report.

The New York Times

Correction: My apologies for first item in last week's News Update in which passage of health care reform was labeled "Big Deal".

Huffington Post

The P1 elicited by the first item peaked at 93±12 ms on average (Figure 3).

Plosone

If you're the sort of person who mourns the loss of grit in New York City, then the third item on today's agenda of the Landmarks Preservation Commission will come as a relief.

The New York Times

Cooperation analysis was employed to assess bilateral and multilateral cooperation from 1973 to 2008; the first item in the dataset produced as a result of international cooperation was published in 1973.

Breast Cancer Research

Campbell received whoops and cheers when she revealed she had plans to release her own product line, with the first item being available in 2015.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Le Monde had the first item on the report yesterday; the Guardian and the Christian Science Monitor had the longest ones.

The New Yorker

In the first item, she wrote that last spring a fraternity printed T-shirts showing a woman being roasted like a pig on a spit but that those responsible were not disciplined.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first item today" to clearly signal the beginning of a list, agenda, or discussion points in a presentation or report. This helps structure the flow of information and sets clear expectations for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "first item today" repetitively in close succession. Vary your language with alternatives like "next on the agenda" or "moving on to" to maintain engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first item today" functions as an introductory marker, typically used to signal the beginning of a discussion, meeting, or presentation. It serves to clearly indicate the initial topic or task to be addressed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first item today" is a straightforward and grammatically correct way to introduce the initial topic in a discussion, meeting, or presentation. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English. While examples are relatively rare, its meaning is clear. To avoid redundancy, using alternatives like "initial agenda point" or "opening matter" can add variety to your writing. Overall, this phrase is best used to provide a clear starting point for the audience and structure the flow of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first topic on the agenda

More explicit about being part of a planned meeting or discussion.

first order of business

Highlights the priority and sequence of tasks or topics.

initial agenda point

Focuses on the structured aspect of an agenda, emphasizing the starting point.

the first matter at hand

Suggests immediate attention and focus on the initial topic.

opening matter

Highlights the introductory nature of the subject being discussed.

the day's first issue

Highlights that the item is a problem or subject that requires attention.

today's initial subject

Emphasizes the subject matter and its place at the beginning.

our opening discussion

Implies a conversational approach to the first item.

starting point for today

Focuses on the commencement of activities or discussions for the day.

primary focus for today

Emphasizes the main point of attention or action.

FAQs

How can I use "first item today" in a sentence?

You can use "first item today" to introduce the initial topic or task in a meeting, report, or presentation. For example, "The "first item today" is the budget review."

What are some alternatives to "first item today"?

Alternatives include "initial agenda point", "opening matter", or "first topic on the agenda".

Is it okay to use "first item today" in formal writing?

Yes, "first item today" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly when structuring agendas or reports. However, consider the audience and context to determine if a more formal alternative might be more suitable.

How does "first item today" differ from "first item on the agenda"?

"First item today" is a more general phrase that introduces any initial topic. "First item on the agenda", by contrast, specifies that the topic is part of a structured plan or schedule.