first of all

USAGE SUMMARY

'first of all' is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and can be used to introduce a list of topics or tasks that need to be completed.
For example: "First of all, let's go over the agenda for this meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First of all: Heh.

The New York Times

G.K. First of all: Ew.

The New York Times

A. First of all, congratulations!

The New York Times

First of all, those glasses.

The New York Times - Tech

First of all, the numbers.

The New York Times

First of all, become informed.

The New York Times

First of all, whose original?

The New Yorker

First of all, it's complicated.

The New York Times

First of all, he sings.

The New Yorker

First of all, I'm Jewish.

The New York Times

First of all, how's business?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "first of all" is generally acceptable, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "to begin with" or "initially".

Common error

Avoid using "first of all" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Overuse can sound repetitive and stilted. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "first" or "to start" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first of all" functions as an adverbial phrase used to introduce the initial point in a series of arguments, steps, or considerations. As Ludwig highlights, this expression is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first of all" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase to introduce the initial point in a series. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and applicable. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and audience. In more formal settings, alternatives like "to begin with" or "initially" might be more appropriate. Remember to maintain consistency by using "secondly" and "thirdly" for subsequent points. While "first of all" is prevalent in news, media, and general writing, avoid overuse in informal contexts. The abundance of examples and Ludwig's positive assessment underscore the phrase's validity and widespread usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Firstly

This alternative is a direct synonym, providing a more concise option.

To begin with

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the start of a discussion.

In the first place

This alternative highlights the fundamental reason or initial consideration.

Initially

This alternative focuses on the starting point or original action.

To start off

This alternative is more informal and suitable for casual conversation.

Before anything else

This alternative emphasizes the priority of the point being introduced.

Principally

This alternative highlights the main or most important aspect.

Primarily

This alternative indicates the chief or foremost consideration.

As a starting point

This alternative frames the point as the basis for further discussion.

At the outset

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the beginning of a process or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "first of all" in a sentence?

You can use "first of all" to introduce the first point in a series of arguments or steps. For example, "First of all, we need to gather all the necessary data."

What are some alternatives to "first of all"?

You can use alternatives like "firstly", "to begin with", or "initially" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to follow "first of all" with "second of all" and "third of all"?

While you can use "second of all" and "third of all", it's more common and stylistically preferred to use "secondly" and "thirdly" after "first of all" or "firstly" to maintain consistency.

What's the difference between "first of all" and "in the first place"?

"First of all" is generally used to introduce the first point in a sequence, while "in the first place" often emphasizes the primary reason or original situation that led to a current state.