first on the list

USAGE SUMMARY

"first on the list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the first item on a list. For example, "The soup is first on the list of dinner options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

First on the list?

The New Yorker

Climbing trees is first on the list.

Independent

Culture was first on the list.

The Economist

Frosties might be first on the list.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

First on the list is Richard Olney.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(First on the list: "Kept America Safe").

The New York Times

Will I be first on the list of results?

Independent

Wallace Stevens should be among the first on the list.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Click the first one on the list.

WikiHow

It should be the first one on the list.

WikiHow

He should be the first one on the list.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first on the list" to clearly signal the most important or urgent item in a series of tasks or considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "first on the list" when there's no clear ranking or ordering. If the items are of equal importance, consider using alternative phrases like "among the key considerations" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first on the list" functions as a modifier, typically an adjective phrase, indicating the item that holds the highest priority or appears at the beginning of a ranked sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first on the list" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the top priority or initial item within a set. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows for use across various contexts, though it's particularly prevalent in news and media. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the list is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""top of the list"" or ""number one priority"" to convey slightly different nuances, but the core purpose remains consistent: highlighting what comes first.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top of the list

Focuses on the position at the very beginning, implying a ranking based on importance or preference.

most important item

Simply states that an item has the greatest significance.

number one priority

Emphasizes that something is the most important concern or task.

paramount concern

Indicates that something is of the highest importance and takes precedence.

key priority

Identifies a priority as being essential or crucial.

primary concern

Highlights the main worry or focus of attention.

leading item

Indicates the foremost or most prominent thing in a series.

chief focus

Highlights the principal area of attention or activity.

initial consideration

Points to something being considered at the beginning of a process.

foremost element

Stresses the importance and position of an element.

FAQs

How can I use "first on the list" in a sentence?

You can use "first on the list" to indicate the highest priority or the initial item in a sequence. For example, "Improving customer satisfaction is "top of the list" for our Q3 goals".

What are some alternatives to saying "first on the list"?

Alternatives include "number one priority", "primary concern", or "leading item", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what the list is when using "first on the list"?

While not always mandatory, providing context about the list enhances clarity. If the list is implied, ensure it's easily understood by your audience. Otherwise, explicitly define the list to avoid confusion.

What's the difference between "first on the list" and "most important"?

"First on the list" implies a specific order or sequence, while "most important" simply highlights the item with the highest significance, without necessarily implying a particular order. "Paramount concern" is a good way to emphasize importance.