first things first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first things first" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize that priority should be given to the most important things first, before attending to those that are less important. For example: I know there are a lot of tasks to finish today, but first things first, let's tackle the most urgent ones.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First things first.

The New York Times

First things first, though.

The New York Times - Books

But first things first.

The New York Times

OK, first things first.

The New York Times

First things first: The name.

The New York Times

First things first: Shoes.

The New York Times - Travel

Right: first things first.

The Guardian - Books

Anyway, first things first.

The Guardian

First things first: Binelli can really write.

The New York Times - Books

First things first: what to bake?

The New Yorker

"Now, first things first," he said crisply.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In urgent situations, preface your instructions with "first things first" to clearly indicate the initial action required. This can help to reduce panic and improve response times.

Common error

Avoid using "first things first" to merely address the most urgent task, as it should highlight the most important one, even if it's not immediately pressing. Confusing urgency with importance can lead to inefficient project management and missed strategic goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first things first" functions as an idiomatic expression used to emphasize the importance of addressing the most critical or primary tasks before others. It serves as an introductory remark to guide the sequence of actions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is indeed a commonly used expression in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

17%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first things first" serves as a commonly used idiom to direct attention to the most crucial tasks. It functions to guide and streamline activities by setting a clear priority. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide array of contexts, from casual conversations to professional communications. Ludwig AI affirms its widespread use across diverse platforms, including News & Media and Academia. To ensure efficient task management, use "first things first" to establish a logical sequence and prevent wasting effort on less significant aspects. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "first things first" in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

priority one

Emphasizes the top priority, shifting from a sequential instruction to a noun phrase.

the main thing is

Directs attention to the primary concern, simplifying the original phrase's structure.

above all else

Emphasizes the supreme importance of something, adding a dramatic flair.

most importantly

Highlights the significance of a specific point, replacing the call to action with an adverbial phrase.

foremost

Highlights what comes before all else, using a more formal tone.

primarily

Indicates the chief concern, changing the phrase to an adverb.

to begin with

Indicates the initial step in a process, focusing on commencement rather than overall prioritization.

in the first place

Highlights the initial consideration, differing from a broader prioritization directive.

start with the basics

Suggests focusing on fundamental aspects first, differing from a general prioritization.

initially

Focuses on the starting point, rather than the whole scope of priorities.

FAQs

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

You can use "first things first" to emphasize the importance of dealing with the most crucial matters before others. For example, "I know there are many tasks, but "first things first", let's complete the report."

What's a less formal alternative to "first things first"?

Alternatives include "to begin with" or "start with the basics", which are suitable for more casual settings. These phrases imply a starting point without emphasizing strict prioritization as strongly.

Is there a difference between saying "first thing first" and "first things first"?

The phrase "first things first" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "First thing first" is grammatically unconventional and less frequently used. Always opt for the plural form to maintain correct usage.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "first things first"?

It's appropriate when you want to clearly set priorities in a process, task list, or discussion. It signals that the following action or item is the most important and should be addressed before anything else. For instance, "Before we plan the party, "first things first", let's set a budget."