first point of course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first point of course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce the initial argument or idea in a discussion, often implying that it is an obvious or expected point. Example: "First point of course, we need to consider the budget before making any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

His first point, of course, was that the very idea of poem as petition was misconceived.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

My first point of call is, of course, the search engine itself.

Independent

"Dortmund are my first point of contact.

Independent

Their first point of contact is booze.

The New Yorker

Exams 1 and 2 occurred during the semester at the one-third and two-thirds points of the course, whereas exam 3 occurred during finals week, even though it was not a cumulative exam.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Considering the third point of measurement (end of PMS course) in the comparison of SCS and PMS communication skills, global improvement due to the duration of the course becomes more apparent (F 1,30) TIME = 15.05, p <.001, ε2 =.342), and the interaction effect gains significance (F 1,30) TIME × COURSE = 5.99; p <.05; ε2 =.171).

BMC Medical Education

Of course there is a third point of view.

The New York Times - Books

The first point is that of course hell is not part of any objective reality that can be studied by the methods of science.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the first point, energy is, of course, an industry that employs millions of Americans.

The Economist

If, however, you already have some additional mechanism that addresses the first point we would, of course, consider a rebuttal.

eLife

First things first, of course.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "first point of course" with a clear and concise statement to maximize its impact and ensure the reader understands the primary focus from the beginning.

Common error

Avoid redundancy by ensuring that the "of course" isn't stating the blatantly obvious. Use it to highlight a point that should be known but might be overlooked, not to patronize the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first point of course" serves as an introductory element in a sentence. Its primary grammatical function is to signal the commencement of an argument, discussion, or list of considerations. It also implies that the stated point is somewhat self-evident or expected. Ludwig confirms this by showcasing the phrase introducing an argument.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first point of course" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an initial, often obvious, consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and its function as an introductory element. While infrequent, it is suitable for a range of contexts from news to academic discussions, with a slightly informal tone. When using this phrase, ensure you are not overstating the obvious to avoid sounding condescending. Consider alternatives like "first and foremost" or "initially" for variety. Overall, the phrase serves to guide the reader or listener, setting the stage for subsequent information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first and foremost of course

This phrase stresses the importance and priority of the point being introduced.

initially of course

This alternative replaces "first point" with "initially", keeping the emphasis on the beginning.

primarily of course

A simpler alternative that directly indicates the main or most important aspect.

to begin with of course

This phrase offers a more verbose way to express the starting point, adding a slightly more formal tone.

in the first place of course

This phrase highlights the sequence and order of points being presented.

at the outset of course

Using "at the outset" adds a sense of formality and deliberation to the introduction.

to start of course

A concise way to indicate the beginning of a discussion or list of points.

the primary aspect of course

This alternative shifts the focus to the importance of the point being made.

as a starting point of course

This option frames the point as a foundation for further discussion or analysis.

the initial consideration of course

This version emphasizes the act of considering something from the beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "first point of course" in a sentence?

You can use "first point of course" to introduce an initial argument or idea, often implying it's an obvious or expected point. For example, "First point of course, we need to consider the budget before making any decisions."

What phrases are similar to "first point of course"?

Similar phrases include "first and foremost of course", "initially of course", or "to begin with of course", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to use "of course" with a point that's already obvious?

While "of course" can emphasize an obvious point, overuse can make your writing sound condescending. Use it judiciously to highlight points that might be overlooked, not to state the blatantly obvious.

Which is more formal, "first point of course" or ""to begin with of course""?

"To begin with of course" carries a slightly more formal tone compared to "first point of course", making it suitable for more formal writing contexts.