the first is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the first is' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to introduce a list of items, or to indicate that something that follows is the first in order of importance. For example: "If you want to live a healthy lifestyle, the first is to get regular exercise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first is immediacy.

The Economist

The first is time.

The Economist

The first is demographic.

The Economist

The first is Congress.

The Economist

The first is recapitalisation.

The Economist

The first is macro.

The Economist

The first is bureaucratic.

The Economist

The first is practical.

The New York Times - Magazine

The first is video.

The Economist

The first is fragmentation.

The Economist

The first is transport.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the first is" to introduce a list, ensure that subsequent items are clearly signaled with phrases like "the second is", "the third is", etc. This enhances clarity and organization for the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting a list with "the first is" and then failing to provide subsequent list items. If you introduce a list, ensure you complete it for clarity and completeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first is" functions as a discourse marker, specifically to introduce the first item, reason, or point in a sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show it commonly precedes an explanation or a defining characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first is" is a highly common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce the first element in a series of points or explanations. As Ludwig AI validates, it's predominantly found in news and media, but also appears in encyclopedic and scientific contexts. When using "the first is", ensure that subsequent items are clearly indicated to maintain clarity. Alternatives include "initially" or "to begin with", but "the first is" remains a clear and effective choice for introducing a sequence. Remember to avoid starting a list with "the first is" without providing subsequent points.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary reason is

Specifies that what follows is the main reason.

the initial point is

Focuses on the idea of a starting point in an argument or discussion.

to begin with

Offers a more conversational way to introduce the first point.

initially

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb denoting the beginning of a sequence.

first and foremost

Emphasizes the importance of the initial point more strongly.

initially, it's about

Adds a layer of explanation about what 'it' refers to.

primarily

Highlights the main or most important reason or factor.

foremost

A concise way to introduce the most important element.

number one

A more informal way to indicate the first item in a list.

at the outset

Highlights the beginning or commencement of something.

FAQs

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

Use "the first is" to introduce the initial item or reason in a series. For example, "There are several reasons to invest in renewable energy; "the first is" environmental sustainability".

What are some alternatives to using "the first is"?

Alternatives include "initially", "to begin with", or "primarily" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it necessary to follow "the first is" with "the second is", "the third is", and so on?

While not strictly necessary, using sequential indicators like "the second is" and "the third is" improves clarity and organization, especially in longer lists.

Can I use "the first is" to introduce a single, most important point?

Yes, although it implies that other points may exist, ""the first is"" can effectively highlight the primary consideration, even if it's the only one discussed.