first thing on the list

USAGE SUMMARY

"first thing on the list" can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most important task or item that needs to be done or obtained. For example, "The first thing on the list is to finish the presentation before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"That should be the first thing on the list".

The New York Times

Abortion isn't the first thing on the list when it comes to laughs.

The Guardian - Opinion

I remember the first thing on the list: "Andrew is fine, he is going to be a first-grader in September".

The New York Times - Magazine

First thing on the list: "Look at cat pictures".

Vice

And the very first thing on the list was go see a Boston Red Sox game," Echols said.

Huffington Post

It's pretty much the last thing people want to hear, but it's the first thing on the list of Feng Shui Do's.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Samsung is confident cellphones will be one of the first things on the list to go hydrogen, and says that such cellphones might be in your hands in less than two years.

TechCrunch

The first things on the list are the ones that advertise.

Huffington Post

The third thing on the list is a challenge that comes with growth.

Harvard Business Review

By having it on, it means that a left-click automatically does the first thing on the options list, while the right-click brings up a list.

WikiHow

Can we just start up with the Year in Review shit right now so I can make, like, "Marfa photoset" the first thing on the Everything list?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When creating a to-do list, use "first thing on the list" to clearly indicate the most crucial task that needs immediate attention.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "first thing on the list" is always the easiest; it simply means it's the most important to address first, regardless of difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first thing on the list" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the foremost item or task in a sequence of priorities. It typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first thing on the list" is a common and useful expression to emphasize the initial and most important task in a sequence. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across news, media, and general contexts. Alternatives like "top priority" or "initial step" can be used based on the specific nuance you want to convey. While generally neutral in register, formal contexts might benefit from more professional synonyms. Therefore, understanding the context and intended emphasis is crucial for effective communication when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

number one priority

Emphasizes that something has the highest degree of importance.

most important thing

Directly states that something is of utmost significance.

top priority

Focuses more directly on importance and precedence.

primary focus

Highlights the main area of attention or activity.

main concern

Highlights what is most concerning or requires attention.

initial step

Emphasizes the starting point or action.

key task

Emphasizes the importance of the work to be done.

foremost consideration

Highlights what should be considered most importantly.

essential item

Highlights something indispensable for the activity.

starting point

Highlights the beginning of actions or the initial phase.

FAQs

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

You can use "first thing on the list" to highlight the initial or most important task. For instance, "The "number one priority" is to secure funding."

What is a good alternative to "first thing on the list"?

Alternatives include "top priority", "main concern", or "initial step", depending on the specific context you are describing.

Is "first thing on the list" formal or informal?

The phrase "first thing on the list" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "primary focus" may be preferred in some professional settings.

What does "first thing on the list" imply?

It implies that something should be addressed before anything else due to its importance or urgency. It sets precedence and indicates the starting point for a series of actions.