firstly and foremost

USAGE SUMMARY

'firstly and foremost' is an acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when emphasizing the most important point in a list or sequence of items. For example: "Firstly and foremost, safety is of the utmost importance in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Firstly and foremost 'reliability', we pride ourselves at TweetMeme for the continued up-time and scalability of the service.

TechCrunch

This in turn allows to delineate the potential receiving environments and focus the analysis on those where the adoption is expected to be greatest with the assumption that potential adverse environmental effects will likely manifest firstly and foremost where the GM crop is grown most frequently and most widespread.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

First and foremost: Really?

The New York Times

Children first and foremost.

The New York Times

First and foremost, Gonzaga.

The New York Times

First and foremost is safety.

The New York Times

First and foremost, Dmitri Mendeleev.

Independent

First and foremost, reduce uncertainty.

The Economist

And to the officer, first and foremost".

The New York Times

First and foremost he cherished his family.

The New York Times

Kirk was, first and foremost, a teacher.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "firstly and foremost" to introduce the most crucial point when presenting multiple arguments or considerations.

Common error

Avoid combining "firstly and foremost" with subsequent points introduced by "first", "second", etc. Maintain consistency by using either "first" or "firstly" throughout your enumeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firstly and foremost" functions as an adverbial phrase used to introduce the most important point in a sequence or argument. As affirmed by Ludwig, it serves to emphasize the speaker's or writer's prioritization. Examples on Ludwig show it used to highlight safety, reliability, and key factors.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "firstly and foremost" serves to emphasize the most important point in a sequence of arguments or considerations. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI suggests that it is relatively rare and somewhat formal; simpler alternatives like "first and foremost" or "most importantly" are often preferred. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, using "firstly and foremost" effectively requires awareness of its slightly formal tone and the potential for redundancy. When using this phrase, make sure to introduce the most crucial point and consider maintain consistency by using either "first" or "firstly" throughout your enumeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first and foremost

Reorders and simplifies the original phrase by removing "ly" from firstly.

most importantly

This alternative highlights the significance of a particular point.

above all else

This alternative emphasizes the supreme importance of something compared to everything else.

primarily

This alternative focuses on the main or principal aspect.

chiefly

This alternative stresses the principal or most significant reason or element.

fundamentally

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature of something.

in the first place

This alternative emphasizes the initial consideration or priority.

at the heart of the matter

Highlights the core or most crucial element of a situation.

to begin with

This alternative is used to indicate the starting point or most immediate concern.

to start with

This alternative indicates the initial point of focus or action.

FAQs

How does "firstly and foremost" differ from "first and foremost"?

While both phrases emphasize the most important point, "firstly and foremost" is considered slightly more formal. However, "first and foremost" is generally preferred due to its simplicity and broader acceptance.

Is it redundant to use "firstly and foremost"?

Some argue that using both "firstly" and "foremost" is redundant since they both indicate priority. However, the combination is often used for added emphasis, though it's essential to use it judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive.

What are some alternatives to "firstly and foremost"?

You can use alternatives like "above all else", "most importantly", or "primarily" to convey a similar meaning while varying your language.

Can I use "firstly and foremost" in formal writing?

Yes, "firstly and foremost" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the overall tone and audience. In some cases, a simpler alternative like "first and foremost" or "most importantly" might be more suitable.