the first step is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first step is" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to introduce a series of actions or steps that need to be taken to accomplish something. For example: "The first step is to gather all of the necessary materials. Next, you will need to lay out the ingredients in the proper order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first step is a psychological one.

Independent

The first step is to question everything.

The New York Times - Science

The first step is getting there.

The New York Times

The first step is harmonizing customs rules.

The New York Times

The first step is done in-house.

The New York Times - Science

The first step is avatars.

The Guardian - Tech

The first step is applying.

The Guardian

The first step is over.

The New York Times - Sports

The first step is madman.

Harvard Business Review

The first step is awareness.

Harvard Business Review

The first step is the computer program.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the first step is", ensure that subsequent steps are also clearly identified to maintain consistency and logical flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the first step is" without outlining the subsequent steps. Failing to provide a complete sequence can leave the reader without a clear understanding of the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first step is" functions as a transitional phrase to introduce the initial action or stage in a process. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a correct and usable phrase for clearly outlining sequences. Its primary function is to signal the beginning of a set of instructions or actions, aiding clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first step is" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to introduce the initial action in a sequence or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for various writing contexts. It is particularly frequent in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing. For clearer writing, always ensure subsequent steps are also clearly identified. You can use alternatives like "the initial action involves" or "the starting point is", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid using this phrase without outlining subsequent steps for completeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the first thing to do is

A more direct and practical way to express the initial action.

the starting point is

Replaces "step" with "starting point", indicating the origin of a process.

the primary task is

Emphasizes the task that needs to be done at the beginning.

you have to start by

A personal and active way to introduce the initial action.

the initial action involves

Focuses on the action itself rather than the general idea of a step.

to begin, it's necessary to

Highlights the necessity of the first action.

initially, one must

A more formal way to introduce the first action needed.

the essential beginning is

Emphasizes the importance of the beginning.

the preliminary measure is

A more formal and cautious way to describe the first action.

the ground work involves

Emphasizes the basis that will be built with further actions.

FAQs

How do I use "the first step is" in a sentence?

Use "the first step is" to introduce the initial action in a sequence. For example, "The first step is to gather your materials; then, begin the assembly".

What can I say instead of "the first step is"?

You can use alternatives like "the initial action involves", "the starting point is", or "the first thing to do is" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "the first step is" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to clearly define the beginning of a process, provide instructions, or outline a series of actions. This helps in providing clarity and structure to your writing.

What's the difference between "the first step is" and "the next step is"?

"The first step is" indicates the very beginning of a sequence, while "the next step is" refers to subsequent actions after the initial one. They help delineate different stages in a process.