the first thing is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first thing is" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when introducing a list of items or steps in a process. For example, "The first thing is to gather all the ingredients for the recipe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The first thing is attitudes.

Independent

The first thing is: recipes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So the first thing is: don't panic.

The Guardian - Music

"The first thing is not numbers.

The New York Times

The first thing is to win the title.

Independent

The first thing is to notice your experience.

The New York Times

The first thing is always to find a Chinatown.

The New York Times

The first thing is to get off the beach.

The Economist

The first thing is that the words pour out.

Independent

The first thing is to give our heads a rest.

The New York Times - Sports

The first thing is to understand who these people are.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the first thing is", ensure that subsequent steps or priorities are also clearly marked (e.g., "the second thing is", "the next step is") to maintain clarity and coherence.

Common error

Avoid using "the first thing is" if you don't intend to follow up with subsequent steps or priorities. If there's only one key point, it's better to state it directly without framing it as the 'first thing'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first thing is" serves as a transitional phrase, introducing the initial step, priority, or consideration in a sequence or list. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first thing is" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent phrase utilized to emphasize the initial step or priority in various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility spans from everyday conversation to formal communication, although it is most commonly found in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that subsequent steps are also clearly articulated, and that its usage is reserved for situations where a clear sequence or list is present. Otherwise, you may want to use alternatives such as "first and foremost" or "the most important thing is".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first and foremost

Indicates the highest priority or the very first action.

the most important thing is

Focuses on what holds the greatest significance.

the initial step to consider is

Emphasizes the first action or consideration in a process.

the key starting point involves

Highlights the crucial aspect that marks the beginning of a process.

at the outset, it's important to

Indicates an important action or consideration at the beginning of a situation.

to begin with, it's essential to

Highlights the necessity of a particular action as the starting point.

primarily, we should focus on

Directs attention to the main area of focus at the beginning.

the foremost action required is

Stresses the importance and necessity of the initial action.

above all, it is vital to

Places importance on a necessary action at the beginning.

initially, the primary concern involves

Specifies initial concern or priority using more formal and elaborate wording.

FAQs

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

You can use "the first thing is" to introduce the most important point or action in a series. For instance, "The first thing is to gather all the necessary documents before applying."

What phrases are similar to "the first thing is"?

Alternatives include "first and foremost", "the most important thing is", or "to begin with", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the first thing is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to highlight the initial step or priority.

When should I avoid using "the first thing is"?

Avoid using it when there is no clear second or third thing. If you only have one point to make, it's better to state it directly without framing it as the 'first thing'. Otherwise, the statement might seem incomplete.