the first question

USAGE SUMMARY

"the first question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a topic that you are discussing or to introduce a question you are asking. For example, "The first question we must consider is whether the proposed changes are necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first question is obvious:.

The Economist

The first question: Which song?

The New Yorker

The first question is fit.

The New York Times

The first question came.

The Guardian

Asking the first question.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That's the first question.

The Guardian

Mr. Buffett dodges the first question, obviously.

The New York Times

The first question is easy: yes!

The New Yorker

The first question looks easier to answer.

Independent

"So the first question was, can I?

The New York Times

As for the first question, who knows?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a series of questions or points, use "the first question" to clearly signal the beginning and guide your audience through your reasoning or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "the first question" when you actually mean "the most important question". While the first question is chronologically first, it may not be the most critical or significant aspect of the discussion. Use "the most important question" or similar phrases to convey importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first question" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the initial inquiry or point of discussion. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, indicating its broad applicability. The phrase serves to set the stage for further elaboration or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first question" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce the initial point in a discussion or series of inquiries. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and applicable across a broad range of contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to differentiate its chronological meaning from importance, and alternatives like "the primary question" may be more suitable when emphasizing significance. Remember to use it strategically to guide your audience and organize your thoughts effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The initial inquiry

Focuses on the act of asking or investigating, rather than a specific question.

The opening question

Highlights the beginning aspect of the question, similar to "first".

The primary question

Emphasizes the importance or priority of the question.

The preliminary question

Suggests a question asked before getting to more detailed matters.

The leading question

Implies a question that guides the answer in a certain direction.

The foremost question

Highlights that the question is the most important or prominent.

The essential question

Indicates a question that is crucial and cannot be ignored.

The pivotal question

Suggests that the question is a turning point or critical for decision-making.

The basic question

Focuses on the fundamental or elementary nature of the question.

The introductory question

Implies a question asked to set the stage for further discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "the first question" to introduce the initial point or inquiry in a discussion. For example, "The first question is whether we have sufficient resources."

What's the difference between "the first question" and "the primary question"?

"The first question" refers to the order in which a question is asked, while "the primary question" refers to the most important question.

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the initial inquiry", "the opening question", or "the preliminary question".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "the first question" when beginning a discussion?

No, it is not always necessary. Whether you state "the first question" explicitly depends on the context and your desired level of formality. In some cases, it might be more natural to simply begin with the question itself.