Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it would first
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Alternative expressions(20)
it continues for
it would hold out
it would mean
it would ultimately
it would hurt
it would finally
it would further
it would persist
it would later
it would last
it would continue
it would endure
it would eventually
it should first
at the beginning
it will last
it would lay
initially
it was meant to last
it was destined to last
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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
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
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
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
But it would first try to pare back his powers.
News & Media
Yet it is in Asia where Tokyo assumes it would first send Japanese peacekeepers.
News & Media
It would first have to consider the three Ds – devaluation, debt and default.
News & Media
So the phenomenon is more earthbound than it would first seem.
News & Media
Tesco said it would first have to develop a "universally accepted and commonly understood" measuring system.
News & Media
Staying upright, then steering, is not as easy as it would first appear.
News & Media
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it should begin by
Emphasizes the initiation of an action or process, similar to starting point of a set of steps.
it ought to initially
Implies a duty or correctness in performing a prior action, focusing on obligation or recommendation.
it must start with
Highlights the necessity of a particular action at the beginning of a process, emphasizing its importance.
it needs to commence by
Stresses the need to start a task, emphasizing commencement of a set of steps.
it is required to initiate with
Indicates that an action is mandatory or essential before something else, underscoring a formal necessity.
it has to launch by
Focuses on the action as a launch or a start, underlining the initiation of steps.
it is advisable to prelude with
Suggests a preparatory action before the main activity, indicating caution or good practice.
it is wise to precede with
Advises to do something before another for better results, highlighting a beneficial sequence.
it is sensible to introduce with
Recommends setting the stage before moving on, focusing on a smart and logical approach.
it is judicious to originate by
Promotes a thoughtful approach to starting something, emphasizing a wise beginning.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested