in the first instance

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the first instance" is a formal expression that is correctly used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the first or original instance of something. For example, "In the first instance, I was hesitant to try the new restaurant, but my friends convinced me to go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the first instance, inventories increase.

The Economist

From the Ministry of Finance, in the first instance.

The Economist

managing, in the first instance, mental existence and mental development.

Columbia University

companies control how it is implemented in the first instance.

Harvard University

In the first instance, we need to enforce treaty obligations.

The Washington Post

It's good at preventing concentration in the first instance.

The New York Times

In the first instance, I'd have health care reform.

The New York Times

Express Newspapers is seeking voluntary redundancies in the first instance.

The Guardian

In the first instance, what followed was the Great Depression.

The New Yorker

In the first instance, it's not a jazz album.

The Guardian - Film

"His departure will be demoralising in the first instance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the first instance", follow it with a comma to separate it from the rest of the sentence. For example, "In the first instance, contact the support team."

Common error

Avoid using "in the first instance" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "first" or "initially" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the first instance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the initial action or step in a sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its use in setting priorities and outlining initial procedures, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

31%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the first instance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates the initial action or step in a sequence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's particularly prevalent in formal writing contexts such as news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, consider its formal tone and ensure it aligns with the overall style of your writing. Simpler alternatives like "initially" or "firstly" may be more appropriate for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firstly

This is a simple adverb used to introduce the first point in a list.

initially

This alternative is a single-word adverb that directly conveys the idea of 'at the beginning'.

to begin with

This phrase emphasizes starting a sequence or process.

to start with

This is a more conversational way to introduce an initial action or point.

at the outset

This phrase highlights the very beginning of something, often with a sense of formality.

as an initial measure

This phrase underscores that something is being done as a preliminary action.

as a first step

This alternative focuses on the idea of a preliminary action in a series.

in the preliminary stage

This alternative refers to the early phase of a process or project.

in the beginning

This option is a more general way to refer to the start of something, lacking some of the formality.

at first

This expresses what happened or was true at the beginning, often implying a change later.

FAQs

How can I use "in the first instance" in a sentence?

Use "in the first instance" to indicate the initial step or priority. For example, "In the first instance, contact the customer service department for assistance."

What are some alternatives to "in the first instance"?

You can use alternatives like "initially", "firstly", or "to begin with" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "in the first instance" formal or informal?

"In the first instance" is generally considered a formal phrase. It is best suited for professional, academic, or official writing.

What's the difference between "in the first instance" and "at first"?

"In the first instance" emphasizes the sequence or priority of actions, whereas "at first" simply indicates something that was true or happened initially but may have changed later.