first thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the first action or item in a list of things. For example, "The first thing I need to do tomorrow is get a haircut."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the first thing.

The New York Times

So that's the first thing.

The New York Times

The first thing is attitudes.

Independent

Really: first thing.

The Guardian - Books

First thing: lower expectations.

The New York Times - Sports

The first thing Lieut.

The New York Times - Magazine

This first thing is the roads.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our first thing is the product".

The New York Times

Cereal was the first thing to go.

The New York Times

He is dark, the first thing.

The New Yorker

Is it the first thing you consider?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When listing sequential steps, use "first thing" to clearly indicate the initial action or consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "first thing" when not referring to the beginning of a sequence or a prioritized action. For general introductions, phrases like "initially" or "to begin with" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first thing" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when an action occurs. It also can act as a noun phrase, referring to the initial or most important item in a sequence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first thing" is a versatile expression used to denote either the initial action in a sequence or the highest priority consideration. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and frequency across diverse contexts, especially news media, underscore its widespread acceptance. Usage ranges from setting expectations to providing instructions, with alternatives like "to begin with" and "initially" offering subtle shifts in emphasis. To effectively employ "first thing", ensure it aligns with sequential or prioritised contexts, distinguishing it from general introductions. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's function, purpose, and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to begin with

Emphasizes the commencement of a series of actions or points.

initially

Focuses on the starting point or the preliminary stage of an action.

in the beginning

Highlights the temporal aspect of starting an activity or process.

the primary step

Stresses the fundamental nature of the first action in a sequence.

the foremost aspect

Indicates the most important consideration at the outset.

the initial point

Highlights the first item or consideration in a discussion or plan.

the introductory action

Focuses on the action that serves as an introduction or start.

at the start

Simply indicates the commencement of an event or activity.

to start off

Implies the manner of beginning, usually with a specific intention.

as a starting point

Suggests using something as a foundation or basis for further action.

FAQs

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

You can use "first thing" to indicate the initial action in a sequence, such as "First thing I do in the morning is drink coffee" or to emphasize a primary consideration, such as "First thing to remember is safety."

What are some alternatives to "first thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to begin with", "initially", or "in the beginning".

Is it correct to say "first thing's first"?

Yes, "first thing's first" is an idiomatic expression used to emphasize prioritizing the most important or immediate task.

What is the difference between "first thing" and "the first thing"?

"First thing" and "the first thing" are often interchangeable, but "the first thing" can sometimes imply a specific item from a known list, whereas "first thing" is more general and can simply mean the first action taken.