first thing to note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first thing to note" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to draw attention to the first important point or fact in a series or list. For example: - First thing to note is that the event starts at 8 PM, not 7 PM as previously advertised. - When planning your trip, first thing to note is the weather forecast for your destination. - This policy has three important exceptions. First thing to note is that it does not apply to employees over 65 years of age. Note: Depending on the context, you can also use "first thing to mention" or "first thing to consider" to convey a similar meaning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First thing to note: these books are HILARIOUS!

The Guardian

The first thing to note is a paradox.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first thing to note is that there is no bolt of lightning.

The New Yorker

The first thing to note is that giant vegetables truly are gigantic.

The New Yorker

The first thing to note is that it is a voluntary rule.

The New York Times

The first thing to note is that this initial volume wholly consists of work by women.

The Guardian - Books

The first thing to note is how well Smith performs Cohen's songs.

The Guardian

The first thing to note is that there are genuine changes – budgets can really matter.

The Guardian

The first thing to note is that the average is high: about 85%.

The Guardian

** The first thing to note is that there is no bolt of lightning.

The New Yorker

The first thing to note is that Susan Hill's name isn't on the cover.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a series of points, use "first thing to note" to clearly signal the beginning and prioritize the initial piece of information. This helps to guide your reader or listener effectively.

Common error

Avoid starting too many consecutive sentences with phrases like "first thing to note". Vary your sentence structure by sometimes presenting the information directly to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first thing to note" functions as an introductory phrase used to highlight the initial and often most important point in a discussion or analysis. Examples in Ludwig show it signals the commencement of essential information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first thing to note" is a grammatically correct and very common introductory phrase used to emphasize the most important initial point in a discussion or analysis. According to Ludwig, it's often used to prioritize information and guide the audience's attention across different writing registers, from news and media to scientific and business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure variety in your sentence structure and avoid overusing introductory phrases for greater impact. Remember that Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, making it a reliable choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial point to consider

This alternative uses "point to consider" instead of "thing to note", shifting the emphasis to deliberation.

primary observation

This option replaces "thing" with "observation", emphasizing a specific finding or awareness.

key aspect to remember

This alternative underscores the importance of remembering a particular aspect.

fundamental consideration

This emphasizes the basic or essential nature of the consideration.

most important element

This highlights the superior importance of a specific element.

essential to recognize

This emphasizes the necessity of recognizing a specific detail or fact.

start by observing

This suggests beginning with an observation, shifting from a static note to an action.

begin with the premise

This frames the point as a foundational premise for further discussion.

foremost item

This option uses "item" to denote a specific piece of information or a detail.

principal factor

This highlights a major factor influencing a situation or outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "first thing to note" to introduce the most important or primary aspect of a topic. For example, "The "first thing to note" is that the deadline has been extended."

What are some alternatives to "first thing to note"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the primary observation", "an essential consideration", or "the key aspect to remember". These can provide variety and emphasize different nuances of the same basic idea.

Is it grammatically correct to say "first thing to note is..."?

Yes, the phrase "first thing to note is..." is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce an important point or fact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

What is the difference between "first thing to note" and "important to note"?

"First thing to note" specifically indicates the initial point in a series, while "important to note" simply emphasizes the significance of a particular detail without implying a sequence.