this before anything else

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this before anything else" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to emphasize the importance of a particular action or consideration over all others. Example: "I want you to understand this before anything else: honesty is crucial in our relationship." Alternative expressions include "this above all" and "this first and foremost."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The photojournalist needs this before anything else.

The Guardian - Arts

Do this before anything else.

WikiHow

Always do this before anything else.

WikiHow

Reach for your horse's hoof and attempt to pick it up, do this before anything else.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He suspects that Meserve sensed this, for before anything else happened the Sergeant confronted him, demanding to know whether he would enter the hootch when his turn came.

The New Yorker

Save this amount before anything else.

Huffington Post

I gotta ask you this question before anything else.

Huffington Post

I check this list before anything else to see if I've earned the ability to idle on Instagram or Twitter.

Huffington Post

So do this first, before anything else.

WikiHow

Finish this process before anything else, then put your hands back on the wheel.

WikiHow

If she does display anxiety or fear of the car, you'll need to spend time helping her to overcome this fear before anything else, as it is a vital part of your ability to get her to and from sets daily when filming is taking place.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this before anything else" to clearly signal the most crucial initial step or consideration in a process or decision.

Common error

Avoid using "this before anything else" when the 'this' isn't clearly defined or understood by your audience. Ensure the subject is unambiguous to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this before anything else" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It serves to emphasize the temporal and logical priority of a particular action or consideration. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates what must be addressed or done first.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"This before anything else" is a phrase used to emphasize the utmost importance of a specific action or consideration, placing it above all others. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is relatively rare. Predominantly found in Wiki, News & Media, and Academia, it serves to establish a clear order of precedence. Related phrases include "first and foremost, this" and "this takes priority". When using this phrase, ensure that the referent of "this" is clear to avoid ambiguity. While effective for direct communication, consider alternatives for situations requiring greater nuance. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's function, purpose, and appropriate use cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first and foremost, this

Emphasizes the sequence, explicitly stating that 'this' comes before everything else.

this needs precedence

Indicates that 'this' requires a higher priority level and should come first.

this takes priority

States that 'this' should be given preference.

this at the forefront

Highlights that 'this' should be given initial and primary attention.

this as a priority

Emphasizes the importance of 'this' over other considerations, framing it as a top concern.

above all, this

Stresses that 'this' is more important than anything else.

this is paramount

Stresses the supreme importance of 'this'.

primarily, this

Highlights that 'this' is the main concern.

initially, this

Indicates that 'this' should be the starting point.

begin with this

Suggests to start the consideration or actions with 'this'.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this before anything else" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "this takes precedence" or "this is paramount", which convey a similar meaning with greater formality.

Is "this before anything else" always the best way to emphasize a priority?

While effective, "this before anything else" might sound somewhat abrupt. Alternatives like "first and foremost, this" can offer a slightly softer, yet still emphatic, tone.

What's a more concise way to say "this before anything else"?

If brevity is key, try phrases like "this first" or "this primarily". These options retain the emphasis but in a more compact form.

When should I avoid using "this before anything else"?

Avoid using "this before anything else" in situations where nuance is required, as it presents a very direct and potentially inflexible prioritization. In such cases, qualifiers might be necessary.