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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it would first

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would first" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating a sequence of actions or events, suggesting that something must happen before another action takes place. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, it would first be necessary to gather all relevant data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For its part, Hayward says that it would first have to repay unspecified "debts" before giving any money to "social and charitable causes"—its stated purpose.

News & Media

The Economist

However, the company believed that it would first make more sense to launch matchmaking in its own app, given that Hinge today is known as a dating app.

News & Media

TechCrunch

To do this it would first dissolve mud in the well and clean its limestone face by circulating a solution made up of 90% water and 10% hydrochloric acid.

News & Media

BBC

When a new user node joins the network, it would first listen to the neighbor discovery packets transmitted by its neighbors to acquire the knowledge about occupied segments in its neighborhood and also available free segments.

But for that, it would first have to be debated.

News & Media

The Economist

But it would first try to pare back his powers.

News & Media

The Economist

Yet it is in Asia where Tokyo assumes it would first send Japanese peacekeepers.

News & Media

The New York Times

It would first have to consider the three Ds – devaluation, debt and default.

News & Media

The Guardian

So the phenomenon is more earthbound than it would first seem.

Tesco said it would first have to develop a "universally accepted and commonly understood" measuring system.

Staying upright, then steering, is not as easy as it would first appear.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it would first" to clearly indicate the necessary order of actions, ensuring clarity in instructions or explanations. For instance, in technical documentation or step-by-step guides, "it would first" enhances comprehensibility.

Common error

Avoid using "it would first" when a future action is not conditional on a prior one. If the sequence isn't crucial, simpler terms like "initially" or "at the beginning" may be more appropriate.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would first" functions as an indicator of sequence, often used to express a preliminary action necessary before another can occur. Ludwig, as confirmed by the numerous examples, shows that this phrase highlights the chronological order of events, setting the stage for what follows.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it would first" serves as a crucial phrase to indicate a necessary sequence of actions, frequently appearing in formal and neutral contexts such as News & Media and Science. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, signaling the proper order of steps or events where the subsequent action depends on the initial one. Using "it would first" correctly clarifies instructions and explanations, making it a valuable tool for effective communication. Avoid using it when the sequential order is not a strict requirement, opting for alternatives like "initially" or "at the beginning" when appropriate.

FAQs

How to use "it would first" in a sentence?

Use "it would first" to indicate the necessary order of actions, implying that the subsequent action depends on the completion of the first. For example, "Before starting the car, "it would first" be necessary to insert the key".

What can I say instead of "it would first"?

Alternatives to "it would first" include "initially", "first", or "beforehand depending on the context".

Which is correct, "it would first" or "it will first"?

"It would first" implies a conditional or hypothetical scenario, while "it will first" indicates a definite future action. Choose based on the context: "If we decide to proceed, "it would first" require approval" versus "The company "it will first" announce the merger, then proceed with the restructuring".

What's the difference between "it would first" and "it should first"?

"It would first" describes a sequence of actions with a conditional aspect, while "it should first" expresses a recommendation or obligation. For instance, "To solve the problem, "it should first" be analyzed carefully" implies a suggested course of action, while "If the system crashes, "it would first" attempt a reboot" describes a contingency.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: