the foremost thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"the foremost thing" is a perfectly grammatical and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to say that something is the most important or the primary thing to consider in a particular situation. For example: The foremost thing to consider when planning a vacation is the budget.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I want something light, where the food is the foremost thing on your mind.

The New York Times

Without the lights or the hum of cars, the sky took its place as the foremost thing.

The New Yorker

Furthermore, the foremost thing is that the wavefront aberration calculated from the individual eye model is equal to the eye's wavefront aberration measured with the Hartmann-shack wavefront sensor.

Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics

His players did not disagree, although it was clear that the constant fourth-place finishes was not the foremost thing on their minds.

The New York Times - Sports

I knew he had written these great books, but the foremost thing, if you were coming of age at that time, was that he was famous as a raconteur, saying things that made your jaw drop.

The Guardian - Film

"The foremost thing in this holiday season is how other travellers were helping us when we were overwhelmed, sitting and holding, putting pressure on people that were injured".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"One of the foremost things we need is a change agent — and Dick Brown fits the bill".

Forbes

If time is the greatest luxury for modern consumers, Nordstrom is steadily proving that convenience is one of the foremost things it can offer its shoppers.

Forbes

One of the foremost things people worry about is their health.

HuffPost

But as soon as he breaks the terrain he's been buried under with the medallion on his chain, the foremost things taking place in his mind are oral satisfaction and getting back to his corner to make money.

Huffington Post

Once you have been seated by the host, the first and foremost thing you should do is pick up your napkin and without flicking it violently, unfold it and place it comfortably on your lap.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "the most important thing" or "the key thing" if you want to make your text more appealing to a wider audience.

Common error

Avoid using "the foremost thing" for matters of minor significance. This phrase implies a high level of importance, so reserve it for truly critical aspects to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the foremost thing" functions as a noun phrase identifying the most important element or consideration in a given context. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable. Examples show it highlighting key aspects in various situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the foremost thing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the most important element or consideration. While not as common as synonyms like "the most important thing", it maintains a neutral to slightly formal tone suitable for various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and the examples illustrate its application in news, wiki, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure you're highlighting a truly critical aspect to maximize its impact and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most important thing

Replaces "foremost" with a more common synonym, "most important".

the main thing

Uses "main" to convey the sense of primary importance.

the key thing

Emphasizes the crucial aspect of something.

the primary concern

Focuses on what is of greatest concern or worry.

the top priority

Highlights what needs to be addressed first.

the principal matter

A more formal way of saying the most important issue.

the central point

Focuses on the core idea or argument.

the crucial element

Emphasizes the essential component.

above all else

Indicates that something is more important than everything else.

first and foremost

Adds emphasis by stating the order of importance.

FAQs

How can I use "the foremost thing" in a sentence?

You can use "the foremost thing" to emphasize the most important aspect of a situation. For example, "The foremost thing to remember is safety."

What are some alternatives to "the foremost thing"?

Alternatives include "the most important thing", "the main thing", or "the key thing".

Is it better to say "the foremost thing" or "the most important thing"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "The most important thing" is more common and may sound more natural in everyday conversation, while "the foremost thing" has a slightly more formal tone.

What is the difference between "the first thing" and "the foremost thing"?

"The first thing" refers to the initial action or consideration, while "the foremost thing" highlights the most significant or critical aspect. While both can be important, they emphasize different qualities.