putting others first

USAGE SUMMARY

"putting others first" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing selflessness, empathy, or prioritizing the needs of others. Example: "In her role as a leader, she believes in putting others first to foster a supportive environment." Alternative expressions include "prioritizing others" and "placing others before oneself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Always putting others first.

The New York Times

Humility and putting others first are interlocked.

The New York Times

Active in Jewish causes, constantly putting others first.

The New York Times

I'm looking for passion for excellence, crossed with humility, crossed with putting others first.

The New York Times

He will always be an inspiration to his family and friends for how to live life wholeheartedly and selflessly, always putting others first and giving unconditional love.

The New York Times

It is not about putting others first at every opportunity and sacrificing as much as possible to become a good martyr figure.

The Telegraph

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

You don't always have to put others first.

The Telegraph

He put others first and will be missed.

The New York Times

A wonderful man who always put others first.

The New York Times

They should be restrained, make sacrifices and put others first.

The Guardian

He was an overflowing source of humor and patriotism, and always put others first.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's character, use "putting others first" to highlight their selflessness and consideration for the well-being of others.

Common error

While "putting others first" is admirable, ensure it doesn't lead to self-neglect. Balance helping others with attending to your own needs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "putting others first" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun to describe a principle, behavior, or characteristic. It describes the act of prioritizing the needs and well-being of other individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "putting others first" is a frequently used gerund phrase that describes the act of prioritizing the needs and well-being of others. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's commonly found in news and media, academic texts, and even wiki sources, reflecting its broad applicability. While the phrase is generally seen positively, it's important to use it thoughtfully, balancing selflessness with self-care. Alternatives include "prioritizing others" and "placing others before oneself". The phrase embodies the values of empathy, compassion, and altruism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prioritizing others

Focuses on the act of ranking others' needs as more important.

placing others before oneself

Highlights the act of considering others before personal needs.

selfless service

Emphasizes the act of serving others without expecting personal gain.

altruistic behavior

Focuses on the benevolent and unselfish aspect of the action.

considering others' needs

Highlights the thoughtfulness involved in addressing what others require.

showing empathy

Focuses on the act of understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

acting benevolently

Emphasizes the kindness and goodwill in one's actions.

being compassionate

Highlights the feeling of empathy that drives someone to help.

having a giving nature

Describes a personality trait where someone is naturally inclined to give to others.

looking out for others

Suggests a sense of care and protection for other people.

FAQs

How can I use "putting others first" in a sentence?

You can use "putting others first" to describe someone's actions or philosophy. For example, "Her success is attributed to always "putting others first"".

What's a similar phrase to "putting others first"?

Alternatives include "prioritizing others", "placing others before oneself", or "selfless service", each emphasizing different aspects of prioritizing the needs of others.

Is it always good to prioritize "putting others first"?

While admirable, consistently "putting others first" without considering your own needs can lead to burnout or resentment. Strive for a balance between selflessness and self-care.

How does "putting others first" relate to leadership?

Putting others first is often seen as a key attribute of effective leadership, fostering trust and loyalty among team members, as it shows that leaders are invested in their team's well-being and success.