however first of all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "however first of all" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when transitioning from one idea or point to another, especially when the second point may contradict or add to the first. Example: "I was hesitant about trying the new restaurant, but however first of all the food was delicious and the service was impeccable. However, the prices were quite steep, which made me rethink how often I would visit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

However, first of all, just a quick word on the Tories.

The Guardian

However, first of all, this is the smallest subcategory of our AGB stars.

Earth, Planets and Space

However, first of all, even an overestimated magnetic energy 6.5 × 1021 ergs in the tail region between 10 and 20 Re (B 2/8π × volume; B = 30 nT) is less than what a single substorm consumes, namely 2 × 1022 ergs; see Akasofu (2013); p. 7223 [30]), although magnetic reconnection and auroral substorms are often reported to occur within 20 Re (cf. Angelopoulos et al. 2008).

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A discussion of the specialized PJA as a key innovation, however, hinges, first of all, upon a phylogenetic hypothesis independent of pharyngeal characters as below.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

It should also be pointed out, however, that first of all that there tends to be a difference between the low strain group and the others already at awakening and secondly that the rise in saliva cortisol concentration between awakening and half an hour later that has been discussed extensively in the literature did not differ between the demand control groups [ 2, 21].

BMC Public Health

However, community is first of all a quality of the heart," the late Catholic spiritual writer Henri Nouwen once wrote.

Huffington Post

By 1850, however, one-third of all cases involved guilty pleas.

The New York Times - Books

Recruitment occurred within the public health system; however, one-third of all women in Australia receive private health care.

Birth

However, one third of all community-acquired strains were isolated because of screening of persons exposed to a known MRSA carrier, most of whom were family members.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Over 50% of providers were able to name the four side effects most frequently associated with the IUD; however, one-third of all providers found at least one of these side effects unacceptable.

BMC Health Services Research

Of note, however, two-thirds of all participants were enrolled on day 3 of illness and it may be that both the viral clearance mechanisms and the pathological process involving the microvasculature are so well established by this time that immunomodulation has little effect.

Clinical Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "however first of all", ensure that the contrasting element introduced by "however" directly relates to the point being initially addressed. This maintains clarity and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "however first of all". Vary your transitional phrases to prevent redundancy and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however first of all" functions as a transitional expression. It introduces a contrasting element ("however") followed by an initial point or consideration ("first of all"). This structure helps to guide the reader through a sequence of related ideas. As Ludwig AI explains, it can be used when transitioning from one idea or point to another, especially when the second point may contradict or add to the first.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "however first of all" serves as a transitional phrase that introduces a contrasting element before making an initial point. While grammatically correct, as supported by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare and leans toward a neutral register. Its function is to signal a shift in perspective, with usage primarily found in Science and News & Media contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "nevertheless, primarily". Keep in mind that varying your transitional phrases is crucial to prevent redundancy and maintain the interest of your readers. When using "however first of all", remember to directly link the contrasting element with the point initially addressed for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nevertheless, primarily

Replaces "however" with "nevertheless" to offer a stronger sense of contrast, and "first of all" with "primarily" to indicate the main point.

Nonetheless, to begin with

Swaps "however" with "nonetheless", keeping the meaning of contrast, while "first of all" is replaced by "to begin with" to convey a starting point.

Even so, initially

"Even so" replaces "however" to show concession, and "initially" substitutes "first of all" to denote the first step.

All the same, firstly

"All the same" offers a different way to introduce a contrast, and "firstly" is used in place of "first of all" to start a list.

Despite that, in the first place

"Despite that" is used instead of "however" for showing contrast, with "in the first place" substituting "first of all" for emphasis on the initial aspect.

That being said, to start with

The structure is different but express very similar concept

With that said, primarily

The structure is different but express very similar concept

In spite of that, principally

The structure is different but express very similar concept

Be that as it may, in the beginning

The structure is different but express very similar concept

Regardless, fundamentally

The structure is different but express very similar concept

FAQs

How can I effectively use "however first of all" in a sentence?

Use "however first of all" when you want to introduce a contrasting point or condition before presenting an initial consideration or argument. It's useful for setting up a nuanced perspective. For instance, "I was skeptical; "however first of all", the data supported the hypothesis."

What are some alternatives to "however first of all"?

Alternatives include phrases like "nevertheless, primarily", "nonetheless, to begin with", or "even so, initially". These can provide similar transitional functions but with slightly different emphasis. Depending on your specific context use "nevertheless primarily", "nonetheless to begin with" or "even so initially".

Is "however first of all" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "however first of all" might sound slightly less formal than alternatives like "nonetheless, to begin with" or "despite that, in the first place". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. You may replace it with "nonetheless to begin with" or "despite that in the first place".

What's the difference between "however first of all" and "but first"?

"However first of all" is typically used to introduce a contrasting element before an initial point, whereas "but first" simply indicates a sequential order of events or points. "However first of all" is more complex transition to indicate contrast plus sequential first point and might sound slightly more formal. You may replace it with alternatives like "but first".