first then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first then" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically used when describing a sequence of events. For example: "First, I studied for the exam, then I cooked dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

WALK first; then run.

The Economist

"Liberation first, then statehood".

The New York Times

First, then, where?

Independent

Me first, then everyone else.

Independent

"Scottish first, then British".

The Guardian

Skateboarding came first, then snowboarding, then wakeboarding.

The New York Times - Sports

It was difficult at first, then transformative.

The New York Times - Magazine

We drank, tentatively at first, then deeply.

The New York Times - Food

The Brienfelds arrive first, then the Zuckermans.

The New Yorker

We did, tentatively at first, then greedily.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Consider using a "first-then" schedule.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first then" to clearly delineate the order of operations in instructions or explanations. For example, "Apply the base coat first, then add the color."

Common error

Avoid using "first then" when you are not describing a strict sequence. For example, don't say "I was tired first then hungry" if you experienced both feelings simultaneously. Instead use "I was tired and hungry."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first then" functions as an adverbial conjunction, indicating a sequence of actions or events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to establish temporal order, clarifying that one thing happens before another. Examples show it connecting steps in a process or stages of development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science & Research

5%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first then" serves as a straightforward and commonly used way to indicate a sequence of actions or events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across diverse contexts, from news articles to how-to guides. While more formal alternatives exist (such as "initially followed by"), "first then" offers clarity and simplicity. Keep in mind to use it to delineate the precise order, and reserve it for scenarios where sequential steps are essential. Avoiding its use in non-sequential contexts will ensure accurate and effective communication. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate the phrase's versatility and prevalence in contemporary writing, reaffirming its status as a valuable tool for expressing order and progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earlier, and then

Highlights the temporal relationship.

start with, and proceed to

Highlights the action of starting and then moving forward.

previously, then

Useful to define a past action before another.

initially followed by

More formal, emphasizes the sequence of events more explicitly.

to begin with, afterwards

Adds a slightly more formal tone.

at the start, then later

More informal and conversational.

at first, subsequently

More formal and emphasizes the sequence of events.

first and subsequently

Adds a stronger sense of time passing between the events.

beginning with and continuing with

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the second action.

to begin, and after

More descriptive, less concise.

FAQs

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

Use "first then" to indicate a sequence of actions or events. For instance, "We'll address the technical issues "first then" move on to marketing strategies".

What are some alternatives to "first then"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "initially followed by", "earlier and then", or "at first subsequently".

Is "first then" appropriate for formal writing?

While "first then" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "initially followed by" or "subsequently" may be preferable in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "first then" and "first and then"?

"First and then" is grammatically incorrect, because it introduces a redundant conjunction. "First then" clearly and correctly indicates sequential order; the "and" is unnecessary.