well for one thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"well for one thing" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to introduce an additional point or idea, usually as part of a response. For example: Q: Why should I buy this product? A: Well for one thing, it's extremely durable. It's been tested to last for years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Well, for one thing, consider the homes of the elderly who insist on living independently.

MIT Technology Review

Well, for one thing, it's big.

The New York Times

Well, for one thing, kids like it.

The New Yorker

Well, for one thing, these are all averages.

The Washington Post

Well, for one thing, we're not getting much exercise.

The Guardian - Books

Well, for one thing, there's no Chinese takeaway.

The Guardian - Arts

Well, for one thing, they had damn well better be.

The New York Times

Why? Well for one thing, he's a real actor.

The New York Times - Magazine

Well, for one thing, management in banking is a disaster.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, for one thing, I think it's important to have a rather broad education.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Well, for one thing…I'm just not cool enough.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well for one thing" to smoothly introduce an initial point in a discussion or argument, signaling that further points may follow.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "well for one thing" as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using other discourse markers or transition words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well for one thing" functions as a discourse marker. It's used to introduce a reason or explanation, often implying that more reasons will follow. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to initiate a point in a discussion, indicating a starting point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well for one thing" serves as a common and grammatically correct discourse marker, predominantly used in news and media and academic contexts to introduce an initial reason or explanation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively initiates a point in a discussion. While the phrase is considered neutral in register, its overuse should be avoided to prevent repetitiveness. Alternatives like "for starters" or "to begin with" can provide variety. Overall, understanding and utilizing "well for one thing" effectively can enhance clarity and flow in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for starters

Focuses on initiating a list of reasons or points.

for a start

Similar to "for starters", but with a slightly less formal tone.

to begin with

Emphasizes the start of an explanation or justification.

one reason is

Directly states that a reason will follow.

firstly

Highlights the first in a series of arguments.

as a first point

Directly indicates the initial argument.

primarily

Indicates the main or most important reason.

initially

Highlights the first aspect of the situation.

chiefly

Similar to "primarily", emphasizing the main reason.

in the first place

Stresses the fundamental reason or cause.

FAQs

How can I use "well for one thing" in a sentence?

Use "well for one thing" to introduce a primary reason or example, implying that there are other reasons as well. For instance, "Why did you choose this option? Well, for one thing, it's the most cost-effective."

What are some alternatives to "well for one thing"?

You can use alternatives like "for starters", "to begin with", or "firstly" to introduce an initial point in a discussion.

Is it okay to use "well for one thing" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "well for one thing" is more suited to neutral or informal contexts. In highly formal writing, consider using alternatives like "primarily" or "initially" for a more professional tone.

Can I use "well for one thing" to introduce the only reason?

While the phrase implies that there are further reasons, it can still be used if it's the most important or primary reason. However, be mindful that it might suggest there are other considerations, even if they are minor.