the first point is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the first point is' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing the first point in a list of points, or when discussing a topic. For example, "The first point is that we need to make sure we are following the correct safety protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first point is how dynamic this market is.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The present status concerning the first point is presented.

Physics Reports

The first point is that many are industry leaders.

The Economist

The first point is beginning to be answered.

The Guardian - Business

So, the first point is that women and children, families are there.

Yale University

The first point is the simplest of all, but perhaps the most important.

The New York Times

The first point is exactly right: care is the heart of good personal relations.

The Guardian - Books

The first point is to stop usury exploitative interest rates it's enslaving.

The New Yorker

The first point is reinforced by the rest: Respect recipients' time.

The Washington Post

I think the first point is for managers to become aware that this is a problem.

Harvard Business Review

The first point is that the age of specialised rooms is over.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a series of arguments or ideas, use "the first point is" to clearly signal the beginning of your structured points. This helps organize your content and guides your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the first point is", "the second point is", and so on, too frequently within a short piece of writing. Instead, vary your language with transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first point is" serves as a discourse marker, signaling the introduction of the initial argument or idea in a sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard way to structure information. For example, "The first point is that the age of specialised rooms is over."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first point is" is a widely used phrase to introduce the opening argument or idea in a discussion. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and versatile. With high frequency across diverse sources like News & Media and Science, this phrase helps structure information and guide audiences through a sequence of points. When employing this phrase, consider varying your language with transitional phrases to enhance engagement. If you're looking for alternatives, consider "to begin with" or "initially".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to begin with

Similar to "the first point is", this phrase is used to introduce the first item in a list or series of arguments.

in the first place

This alternative is used to introduce the first reason or argument in a discussion.

the initial idea is

This phrase focuses on the initial concept or thought that is being presented.

first and foremost

This phrase emphasizes the importance or priority of the first point being made.

firstly

A more formal adverbial alternative to introduce the first point in a structured argument or list.

the main thing is

This phrase simplifies the introduction to the most important aspect of a discussion.

the primary concern is

This alternative emphasizes the main issue or worry that needs to be addressed.

initially

This alternative highlights the beginning or the start of a sequence of events or arguments.

the opening statement is

This phrase is used to introduce the initial remarks or declaration.

at the outset

This alternative emphasizes the beginning or initial stage of a process or discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "the first point is" to introduce the initial argument or idea in a discussion or list. For example, "The first point is that we need to improve our communication strategy."

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

Alternatives include "to begin with", "first and foremost", or "initially" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the first point was" instead of "the first point is"?

Yes, using "the first point was" is correct when referring to a point that was previously made or considered in the past.

What's the difference between "the first point is" and "my first point is"?

"The first point is" introduces a general initial point, while "my first point is" personalizes the statement, indicating that it's the speaker's initial argument or idea.