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A1 adjective #42 most common 17 min read

first

Top 42

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips first in 30 Seconds

Explanation first in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'first' is one of the most important words you will learn. It is used to talk about the order of things in a very simple way. You use it to say which thing comes before all others. For example, 'the first day of the week' or 'my first car'. It is almost always used with 'the' or 'my/your/his'. You will hear it when people give simple instructions, like 'First, open the book'. It helps you organize your thoughts and tell people about your life, like your 'first friend' or your 'first house'. It is a very common word that you will see and hear every day in English.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'first' to describe sequences and routines more clearly. You can use it to talk about the 'first time' you did something, which is a common topic in conversations. You also learn to use it in phrases like 'first of all' to start a list of ideas. You might use it to describe positions in a race or a queue, such as 'I was the first person in line'. At this level, you are also becoming more comfortable with using 'first' alongside other adjectives, like 'the first big city I visited'. It helps you provide more detail when telling stories about the past.

At the B1 level, 'first' is used to express priority and importance. You might say 'My first priority is to pass the exam'. You also start to encounter 'first' in more idiomatic expressions like 'at first' (meaning 'in the beginning') and 'first-rate' (meaning 'excellent'). You can use it to structure longer pieces of writing or speaking, helping your audience follow your logic. You also learn that 'first' can be used as a noun, as in 'This is a first for me' (meaning something you have never done before). It becomes a tool for adding nuance and structure to your communication.

At the B2 level, you use 'first' to handle more complex rhetorical structures. You might use it to contrast initial impressions with later realities using 'at first sight' or 'at first glance'. You also understand its use in professional titles like 'First Secretary' or 'First Lieutenant'. You can use 'first' to describe groundbreaking events or 'first editions' in a more sophisticated way. At this level, you are expected to use 'first' and its synonyms like 'initial' or 'primary' correctly depending on the formality of the situation. You also understand more complex idioms like 'first and foremost'.

At the C1 level, 'first' is used with great precision to establish subtle shades of meaning. You might use it in academic writing to describe the 'first principles' of a theory or the 'first-order' effects of a policy. You understand the historical and cultural weight of terms like 'the First World' or 'the First Amendment'. You can use 'first' to create emphasis in persuasive speaking, such as 'The first and only thing we must consider is...'. You are also comfortable with the more literary or archaic uses of 'first', and you can distinguish it perfectly from similar words like 'former', 'original', or 'primal' in any context.

At the C2 level, your use of 'first' is completely natural and nuanced. You can use it in philosophical discussions about 'first causes' or 'first impressions'. You understand its role in complex legal or technical language. You can play with the word in creative writing to evoke specific emotions or historical periods. You are aware of the etymological roots of the word and how its meaning has evolved. Whether you are using it in a high-level business negotiation or a deep academic debate, you use 'first' to provide absolute clarity and authoritative structure to your most complex ideas.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

first in 30 Seconds

Used to identify the starting point of any sequence, whether in time, space, or a list of items.
Often indicates the highest level of importance or rank, such as 'first priority' or 'first prize'.
Typically requires a determiner like 'the' or 'my' when used as an adjective before a noun.
Essential for organizing information, giving instructions, and describing personal milestones or historical events.

The word first is a fundamental building block of the English language, serving primarily as an adjective to denote the beginning of a sequence or the highest priority in a hierarchy. When we speak of something being 'first', we are establishing a temporal or ordinal baseline from which all other subsequent items or events are measured. It is the numerical equivalent of the number one, but transformed into a descriptor that situates an object within a specific context of time, space, or importance. In its most basic sense, it refers to that which precedes all others in time, order, or rank. For instance, in a race, the person who crosses the finish line before anyone else is the first runner. In a book, the page that begins the story is the first page. This concept is so deeply ingrained in human cognition that we use it to organize almost every aspect of our lives, from the first thing we do in the morning to the first person we think of when we receive good news.

Ordinal Priority: This refers to the position of an item in a list. If you have a list of tasks, the one at the top is the first task. This usage is essential for following instructions or organizing data.

Beyond mere ordering, 'first' often carries a weight of significance or novelty. The 'first time' something happens is usually a memorable event because it represents a break from the past and the beginning of a new experience. This is why we celebrate 'first steps', 'first words', and 'first loves'. The word captures the essence of initiation and the raw potential of a beginning. It is also used to indicate the most important or primary consideration in a decision-making process. When a company says their 'first priority' is customer satisfaction, they are using the word to signal that this goal sits at the very top of their value system, outweighing all other competing interests.

This is my first day at the new job, and I am feeling very excited.

In social contexts, 'first' is used to establish etiquette and protocol. 'First come, first served' is a common phrase that dictates how resources or services are distributed based on the order of arrival. Similarly, 'ladies first' is a traditional (though increasingly debated) social rule of politeness. The word also appears in academic and professional settings to describe groundbreaking achievements. A 'first edition' of a book is the original printing, often highly valued by collectors. A 'first-class' degree or seat indicates the highest level of quality or achievement available within a specific system. In every case, 'first' points us toward the origin, the leader, or the primary element of whatever we are discussing.

Temporal Beginning: Relating to time, 'first' identifies the earliest occurrence. The first rays of sunlight signify the start of the day.

The first chapter of the novel sets the stage for the entire mystery.

When using 'first' as an adjective, it is almost always preceded by the definite article 'the' or a possessive pronoun like 'my', 'his', or 'their'. We rarely say 'I saw first bird'; instead, we say 'I saw the first bird'. This is because 'first' is a superlative of sorts—there can usually only be one 'first' in a specific set. This uniqueness is what gives the word its power. Whether you are talking about the first man on the moon or the first time you tried sushi, you are highlighting a moment of singular importance that stands apart from everything that followed. It is the anchor of our chronological and hierarchical understanding of the world.

Primary Importance: In terms of rank, 'first' denotes the most significant. Safety is our first concern during this construction project.

She won first prize in the science fair for her innovative solar panel design.

The first step is always the hardest when starting a new habit.

He was the first person to arrive at the party, even before the host was ready.

Using the word first correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a modifier. As an adjective, it typically sits right before the noun it describes. For example, in the phrase 'the first house', 'first' tells us which house we are talking about in a sequence of houses. This placement is consistent across various contexts, whether you are discussing physical objects, abstract concepts, or points in time. One of the most common grammatical structures involving 'first' is the pattern: [Determiner] + [First] + [Noun]. This determiner is usually 'the', but it can also be a possessive adjective like 'my', 'your', or 'their'. For instance, 'My first car was a blue sedan' or 'The first lesson starts at nine o'clock'.

The Definite Article: Because 'first' usually identifies a unique item in a series, 'the' is almost always required. You wouldn't say 'A first person', but 'The first person'.

Another important aspect of using 'first' is its interaction with other adjectives. When you have multiple adjectives describing a noun, 'first' (being an ordinal number) almost always comes before the others. You would say 'the first beautiful day of spring', not 'the beautiful first day of spring', unless you are specifically emphasizing that it is the 'first day' which happens to be beautiful. This rule helps maintain the logical flow of information, establishing the position in a sequence before describing the qualities of the item at that position. Furthermore, 'first' can be used in the structure 'the first to [verb]', as in 'She was the first to finish the exam'. here, 'first' acts as a substantivized adjective followed by an infinitive, effectively meaning 'the first person to...'.

The first few weeks of the semester are always the most stressful for students.

In more complex sentences, 'first' can be part of a prepositional phrase or a comparative structure. For example, 'At first sight, the problem seemed impossible'. In this idiomatic usage, 'first sight' describes the initial moment of perception. You can also use 'first' to compare different stages of a process: 'The first half of the movie was better than the second half'. Here, 'first half' is the noun phrase being compared. It is also worth noting that 'first' can be used with plural nouns when referring to a group at the beginning of a sequence, such as 'the first three chapters' or 'the first several rows'. In these cases, 'first' still precedes the cardinal number (three, several).

Possessive Usage: Using 'first' with possessives helps define personal milestones. 'Our first anniversary' or 'His first attempt'.

I remember the first time I saw the ocean; the scale of it was breathtaking.

Finally, consider the use of 'first' in professional or academic titles and rankings. 'First Lieutenant', 'First Lady', or 'First Secretary' are all titles where 'first' denotes a specific rank or role within an organization. In these instances, 'first' is part of a compound noun and should be treated as a single unit of meaning. When writing, remember that 'first' is often more impactful than 'initial' or 'primary' because of its simplicity and directness. It cuts straight to the core of the sequence, leaving no doubt about where the item stands in relation to others. Whether you are writing a simple email or a complex essay, 'first' is a versatile tool for providing clarity and structure to your sentences.

Compound Adjectives: 'First' often combines with other words to form hyphenated adjectives like 'first-rate' or 'first-hand'.

We need to get a first-hand account of what happened during the accident.

The first thing you should do when you arrive is check in at the front desk.

This is the first edition of the book, which makes it quite valuable to collectors.

The word first is ubiquitous in daily life, echoing through various environments from the home to the workplace, and from sports arenas to scientific laboratories. In the domestic sphere, you might hear a parent telling a child, 'Finish your first plate before you have dessert,' or a couple discussing their 'first home' together. It is a word of milestones and basic requirements. In the morning, people often talk about their 'first cup of coffee' as a necessary ritual to start the day. This usage highlights the word's role in defining the sequence of our daily habits and the priorities we set for ourselves. It is the word that marks the beginning of every journey, whether literal or metaphorical.

Daily Rituals: People use 'first' to describe the initial actions of their day. 'My first task is to check my emails.'

In the world of sports and competition, 'first' is perhaps the most coveted word. Commentary is filled with references to 'first place', 'the first half', and 'first-round picks'. When an athlete wins a race, they are 'the first across the line'. The 'first goal' of a match often sets the tone for the entire game. Here, 'first' is synonymous with victory, leadership, and setting the pace. It is also used in the context of records—'the first person to break the four-minute mile' or 'the first team to win three consecutive championships'. In these high-stakes environments, being 'first' is the ultimate goal, representing the pinnacle of achievement and the standard against which all others are measured.

The athlete was determined to take first place in the upcoming marathon.

In professional and academic settings, 'first' is used to organize information and establish authority. During a presentation, a speaker might say, 'Our first point of discussion is the quarterly budget.' In a scientific paper, researchers describe the 'first phase' of their experiment. It is also used to denote quality and rank, such as 'first-class honors' or 'first-tier suppliers'. In the news, you will frequently hear about 'first responders'—the police, firefighters, and paramedics who are the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency. This specific usage carries a sense of duty, bravery, and immediate action. The word 'first' in this context is not just about order; it is about the critical importance of being there at the very beginning of a crisis.

Emergency Services: 'First responders' are the essential personnel who arrive first at an emergency. This is a common term in news and public safety.

The first responders arrived within minutes of the call to the emergency services.

In the realm of entertainment and media, 'first' is used to generate excitement and exclusivity. Movie trailers often boast 'the first look' at a highly anticipated film. Music fans eagerly await the 'first single' from a new album. In social media, the comment 'First!' is a common (if sometimes annoying) way for users to indicate they were the very first person to see and respond to a post. This digital race to be 'first' reflects our broader cultural obsession with speed and being at the forefront of new trends. Whether it's the 'first edition' of a comic book or the 'first screening' of a blockbuster, the word 'first' is a powerful marketing tool that taps into our desire for the new and the original.

Media and Marketing: Terms like 'first look' or 'world premiere' use the concept of 'first' to build hype and attract an audience.

Fans were given a first look at the new superhero movie during the convention.

She was the first woman to ever hold that high-ranking position in the company.

The first thing I noticed about the city was the incredible architecture.

While first is a relatively simple word, learners of English often encounter a few common pitfalls when using it as an adjective. One of the most frequent errors is the omission of the definite article 'the'. Because 'first' is an ordinal number that usually points to a specific, unique item in a sequence, it almost always requires 'the' before it. For example, saying 'I am first person here' is incorrect; it should be 'I am the first person here'. This mistake often stems from the learner's native language not using articles in the same way, or from confusing the adjective 'first' with the adverb 'first' (as in 'First, I went to the store'), which does not take an article.

Article Omission: Incorrect: 'This is first time.' Correct: 'This is the first time.' Always use 'the' or a possessive before 'first' as an adjective.

Another common mistake is the confusion between 'first' and 'at first'. While 'first' is an adjective or adverb used to describe order, 'at first' is a prepositional phrase that means 'initially' or 'at the beginning', often implying that the situation changed later. For instance, 'At first, I didn't like the food, but now I love it'. A learner might incorrectly say 'First, I didn't like the food...', which is grammatically possible but changes the meaning to suggest a sequence of events rather than a change in state. Understanding this nuance is key to expressing shifts in perspective or condition over time. Similarly, learners sometimes confuse 'first' with 'firstly'. While both can be used to start a list, 'firstly' is strictly an adverb used in formal writing, whereas 'first' is more versatile.

Incorrect: First thing I did was call him. Correct: The first thing I did was call him.

Word order is another area where mistakes occur. As mentioned in the usage section, 'first' should precede other adjectives. A common error is placing 'first' after another adjective, such as 'the red first car' instead of 'the first red car'. The ordinal position is usually the most important identifying feature and thus comes first in the adjective string. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the plural form. While 'first' itself doesn't change, the noun it describes can be plural, as in 'the first two weeks'. Some learners might try to make 'first' plural (e.g., 'the firsts two weeks'), which is incorrect. The word 'firsts' only exists as a noun, referring to the first occurrences of something (e.g., 'a year of firsts').

Adjective Order: Always place 'first' before descriptive adjectives. 'The first big problem' is correct; 'The big first problem' is not.

Incorrect: He was first to arrive. Correct: He was the first to arrive.

Finally, there is the subtle difference between 'first' and 'initial'. While they are often synonyms, 'initial' is more formal and often refers to the very beginning of a process or a name. You wouldn't say 'my initial car', but you might say 'my initial reaction'. Using 'first' in overly formal contexts where 'initial' or 'primary' might be more appropriate is a minor stylistic error, but using 'initial' in casual conversation can sound stiff. The key is to match the word to the register of the conversation. By avoiding these common mistakes—missing articles, confusing 'at first', incorrect word order, and register mismatches—you can use 'first' with the confidence of a native speaker.

Confusion with 'At First': 'At first' is for initial impressions that change. 'First' is for order. 'At first I was scared' vs 'The first person was scared'.

Incorrect: The firsts steps are hard. Correct: The first steps are hard.

Incorrect: I like the first of two options. Correct: I like the former of the two options (though 'first' is acceptable in casual speech).

The first rule of the club is that you do not talk about the club.

While first is the most common word for its meaning, English offers several alternatives that can add nuance or change the formality of your speech. Understanding these synonyms helps you choose the exact right word for your context. One of the closest synonyms is 'initial'. 'Initial' often refers to the very beginning of a process or a reaction. For example, 'My initial thought was to say no'. It sounds slightly more formal than 'first' and is frequently used in professional or academic writing. Another similar word is 'primary', which emphasizes importance or rank over simple chronological order. When someone says their 'primary goal' is to help others, they mean it is their most important goal, which may or may not be the first one they work on.

Initial vs. First: 'Initial' is more formal and often describes a starting state or reaction. 'First' is more general and used for any sequence.

For situations involving time, 'earliest' is a strong alternative. It specifically highlights that something happened before everything else in a temporal sense. 'The earliest records of this civilization date back to 3000 BC'. While 'first' could also be used here, 'earliest' emphasizes the depth of time. In terms of rank or quality, 'foremost' and 'leading' are excellent choices. 'She is the foremost expert in her field' implies that she is not just one of the first, but the most prominent and respected. 'Leading' suggests being at the front of a group, like 'the leading candidate' in an election. These words carry a sense of prestige that 'first' alone might not convey.

The primary reason for the meeting was to discuss the new budget cuts.

In more specialized contexts, you might use 'original' or 'maiden'. 'Original' refers to the first version of something from which others are copied or developed, like 'the original manuscript'. 'Maiden' is a poetic or traditional term used for the first of its kind, most commonly in 'maiden voyage' (the first trip of a ship) or 'maiden speech' (the first speech by a politician in parliament). On the opposite end of the spectrum, when comparing two things, 'former' is the correct term for the first one mentioned. 'I have a cat and a dog; the former is very quiet'. Using 'first' in this context is common in speech but 'former' is preferred in writing for clarity.

Former vs. First: 'Former' is used when choosing between two previously mentioned items. 'First' is used for a list of three or more.

The ship's maiden voyage was a historic event celebrated by thousands.

Finally, consider 'introductory' or 'opening'. These are often used for the first part of a performance or a book. 'The introductory chapter' or 'the opening scene'. They specifically describe the function of the 'first' part—to introduce or open the rest of the work. By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives, you can make your descriptions more precise and engaging. Whether you need the formality of 'initial', the weight of 'primary', or the specificity of 'maiden', there is always a word that can complement or replace 'first' to better suit your communicative needs.

Opening vs. First: 'Opening' is specific to performances, books, or events. 'The opening act' vs 'The first act'.

He is the foremost authority on ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

The earliest flight leaves at 5:00 AM, so we need to wake up early.

The initial phase of the project involves extensive market research.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The initial phase of the project is complete."

Neutral

"This is the first time I've been here."

Informal

"First off, I'm not doing that."

Child friendly

"You are the first one in the car!"

Slang

"First!"

Fun Fact

The word 'first' is related to the word 'forest' in some distant linguistic theories, suggesting the 'foremost' part of the land.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fɜːst/

US /fɜːrst/

The stress is on the only syllable.

Rhymes With

worst burst thirst cursed versed nursed rehearsed immersed

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'i' like the 'i' in 'fish'.
Dropping the 't' at the end.
Confusing the 'ir' sound with 'or' as in 'for'.
Making the 'r' too soft in US English.
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very common word, easy to recognize.

Writing 2/5

Requires correct use of articles and word order.

Speaking 1/5

Simple pronunciation and very useful.

Listening 1/5

Easily heard in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

one the day time start

Learn Next

second third last next then

Advanced

initial primary foremost primal original

Grammar to Know

Ordinal numbers usually take the definite article 'the'.

The first, the second, the third.

Ordinals come before descriptive adjectives.

The first beautiful day.

Ordinals come before cardinal numbers.

The first two weeks.

Possessive adjectives can replace 'the' before 'first'.

My first car.

The phrase 'at first' is used for initial states that change.

At first it was raining, but then it stopped.

Examples by Level

This is my first day at school.

C'est mon premier jour à l'école.

Use 'my' before 'first' to show possession.

January is the first month of the year.

Janvier est le premier mois de l'année.

Use 'the' before 'first' when referring to a specific order.

The first bus arrives at six o'clock.

Le premier bus arrive à six heures.

'First' describes which bus in the sequence.

Who is the first person in the line?

Qui est la première personne dans la file ?

A question using 'the first' to identify someone.

My first name is John.

Mon prénom est John.

'First name' is a common compound noun.

I live on the first floor.

J'habite au premier étage.

Ordinal numbers are used for floors in buildings.

This is the first time I see snow.

C'est la première fois que je vois de la neige.

'The first time' is a very common phrase.

He won the first prize.

Il a gagné le premier prix.

'First prize' means the best prize.

First, we need to buy some milk.

D'abord, nous devons acheter du lait.

Here, 'first' is used as an adverb to start a list.

She was the first to finish the race.

Elle a été la première à finir la course.

'The first to [verb]' is a common structure.

Our first meeting was in a small cafe.

Notre première rencontre a eu lieu dans un petit café.

'First' describes the initial occurrence of an event.

The first few chapters are very interesting.

Les quelques premiers chapitres sont très intéressants.

'First' comes before the cardinal number 'few'.

Is this your first visit to London?

Est-ce votre première visite à Londres ?

A polite question about a new experience.

The first thing I do is drink water.

La première chose que je fais est de boire de l'eau.

'The first thing' emphasizes the initial action.

He was the first student in the class.

Il était le premier élève de la classe.

Can mean either the top student or the first to arrive.

I remember my first pet, a small cat.

Je me souviens de mon premier animal de compagnie, un petit chat.

Used for personal milestones.

At first, I thought the job was easy.

Au début, je pensais que le travail était facile.

'At first' implies a change of opinion later.

Safety is our first priority on this site.

La sécurité est notre première priorité sur ce site.

'First priority' means the most important thing.

This is a first-rate restaurant.

C'est un restaurant de premier ordre.

'First-rate' is a compound adjective meaning excellent.

First of all, I want to thank you all.

Tout d'abord, je tiens à vous remercier tous.

'First of all' is used to introduce the first point.

He gave a first-hand account of the event.

Il a donné un compte rendu de première main de l'événement.

'First-hand' means directly experienced.

The first edition of the book is very rare.

La première édition du livre est très rare.

'First edition' refers to the original printing.

She has a first-class degree in physics.

Elle a un diplôme de première classe en physique.

'First-class' indicates the highest academic rank.

We need to find the first cause of the problem.

Nous devons trouver la cause première du problème.

'First cause' refers to the root or origin.

At first glance, the plan seemed perfect.

À première vue, le plan semblait parfait.

'At first glance' means upon initial inspection.

He is the first-born son in the family.

Il est le fils premier-né de la famille.

'First-born' is a specific term for the eldest child.

The First Lady attended the charity gala.

La Première Dame a assisté au gala de charité.

'First Lady' is a formal title for a leader's wife.

We must act on a first-come, first-served basis.

Nous devons agir selon le principe du premier arrivé, premier servi.

A common idiom for fair distribution.

The first-half performance was disappointing.

La performance de la première mi-temps a été décevante.

'First-half' describes a specific period in a game.

She was the first to notice the subtle change.

Elle a été la première à remarquer le changement subtil.

Emphasizes being the pioneer in an observation.

The first-time buyer was nervous about the loan.

L'acheteur d'une première maison était nerveux à propos du prêt.

'First-time' acts as a compound adjective.

They are first-tier suppliers for the company.

Ce sont des fournisseurs de premier niveau pour l'entreprise.

'First-tier' indicates the highest level of importance.

The First Amendment protects freedom of speech.

Le premier amendement protège la liberté d'expression.

A proper noun referring to a specific legal text.

He is the foremost expert on this subject.

Il est l'expert le plus éminent sur ce sujet.

'Foremost' is a high-level synonym for 'first'.

The first-order effects of the policy were clear.

Les effets de premier ordre de la politique étaient clairs.

'First-order' refers to direct, immediate results.

We need to return to first principles to solve this.

Nous devons revenir aux principes de base pour résoudre cela.

'First principles' are fundamental truths.

The first-person narrative adds a sense of intimacy.

Le récit à la première personne ajoute un sentiment d'intimité.

'First-person' is a literary term (using 'I').

The First World War changed the map of Europe.

La Première Guerre mondiale a changé la carte de l'Europe.

A historical proper noun.

She was the first among equals in the committee.

Elle était la première parmi ses pairs au sein du comité.

An idiom meaning a leader of a group of peers.

The first-fruits of their labor were finally visible.

Les premiers fruits de leur travail étaient enfin visibles.

A metaphorical use for initial results.

The first-born of the new era was a symbol of hope.

Le premier-né de la nouvelle ère était un symbole d'espoir.

A poetic and symbolic use of the word.

He sought the first cause of all existence.

Il cherchait la cause première de toute existence.

A philosophical term for the origin of everything.

The first-hand experience was truly transformative.

L'expérience directe a été véritablement transformatrice.

Emphasizes the deep impact of direct experience.

She was the first to break the glass ceiling.

Elle a été la première à briser le plafond de verre.

A metaphor for overcoming social barriers.

The first-impression bias can be hard to overcome.

Le biais de la première impression peut être difficile à surmonter.

A psychological term for a cognitive bias.

This is a first-of-its-kind technological marvel.

C'est une merveille technologique unique en son genre.

A complex compound adjective.

The first-born's inheritance was a matter of law.

L'héritage du premier-né était une question de loi.

Refers to historical laws of primogeniture.

The first-light of dawn touched the mountain peaks.

La première lueur de l'aube a touché les sommets des montagnes.

A poetic description of the start of the day.

Synonyms

primary

Antonyms

last

Common Collocations

first time

first day

first place

first priority

first name

first floor

first aid

first impression

first class

first edition

Common Phrases

first of all

— Used to introduce the most important or first point in a list.

First of all, let me say thank you.

first things first

— Used to say that the most important things should be done before anything else.

First things first, let's have some coffee.

at first sight

— From the very first time you see someone or something.

It was love at first sight.

first come, first served

— People will be dealt with in the order in which they arrive.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

first and foremost

— More than anything else; most importantly.

He is, first and foremost, a teacher.

for the first time

— Never having happened or been done before.

I am flying for the first time.

first-hand

— Gained by doing something yourself rather than from other people.

I have first-hand experience of the problem.

first-rate

— Of the highest quality.

The service at the hotel was first-rate.

the first step

— The initial action in a process.

The first step is to admit there is a problem.

ladies first

— A traditional social rule of politeness where women go before men.

He held the door open and said, 'Ladies first'.

Often Confused With

first vs former

Used for the first of two things; 'first' is for three or more.

first vs at first

A phrase meaning 'initially'; 'first' is for order.

first vs fast

Sounds similar but means quick.

Idioms & Expressions

"first base"

— The first stage in a process, often used in dating or business.

We haven't even gotten to first base with the negotiations.

informal

"first light"

— The time when the sun first starts to rise.

We left the house at first light.

neutral

"first principles"

— The basic and most important ideas on which something is based.

We need to rethink the project from first principles.

formal

"first-born"

— The child who is born first in a family.

As the first-born, she had many responsibilities.

neutral

"first off"

— Used to introduce the first of several things you are going to say.

First off, I want to apologize for being late.

informal

"first string"

— The best players on a sports team.

He finally made it to the first string.

informal

"first water"

— Of the finest quality (originally referring to diamonds).

He is a gentleman of the first water.

archaic/formal

"first among equals"

— A person who is formally equal to others but has a higher rank.

The Prime Minister is the first among equals in the cabinet.

formal

"first blush"

— At the first glance or initial consideration.

At first blush, the idea seems crazy.

formal

"first things first"

— Prioritize the most important task.

First things first, let's find a place to stay.

neutral

Easily Confused

first vs initial

Both mean the beginning.

'Initial' is more formal and often refers to a state or reaction.

My initial thought was correct.

first vs primary

Both can mean most important.

'Primary' emphasizes importance; 'first' emphasizes order.

My primary goal is health.

first vs original

Both mean the start.

'Original' refers to the source or first version.

This is the original copy.

first vs foremost

Both mean at the front.

'Foremost' means most prominent or respected.

He is the foremost expert.

first vs earliest

Both refer to the start in time.

'Earliest' emphasizes the depth of time.

The earliest records are lost.

Sentence Patterns

This is my first [noun].

This is my first car.

The first [noun] is [adjective].

The first book is good.

First, [sentence].

First, I go to work.

It was the first time [sentence].

It was the first time I saw him.

At first, [sentence], but [sentence].

At first I was tired, but now I'm okay.

My first priority is [noun/verb].

My first priority is sleeping.

She was the first to [verb].

She was the first to arrive.

First and foremost, [sentence].

First and foremost, we need peace.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in all domains of English.

Common Mistakes

I am first. → I am the first.
You need the definite article 'the' before 'first' when identifying a position.
First I was happy, now I am sad. → At first I was happy, now I am sad.
Use 'at first' for a state that changes over time.
The red first car. → The first red car.
Ordinal numbers like 'first' come before descriptive adjectives.
My firsts day. → My first day.
'First' does not change its form to be plural as an adjective.
I like the first of the two. → I like the former of the two.
In formal writing, use 'former' when comparing only two things.

Tips

Article Usage

Always remember to use 'the' or a possessive like 'my' before 'first' when it describes a noun.

Structuring Lists

Use 'First, Second, Third' to make your writing easy to follow for the reader.

Emphasis

Stress the word 'first' to emphasize that something is a priority or a new experience.

Synonyms

Use 'initial' or 'primary' in formal writing to sound more professional.

Common Phrases

Learn 'first things first' to sound more like a native speaker when prioritizing tasks.

Sequence

When you hear 'first', get ready to listen for 'second' or 'then' to follow the story.

Milestones

Use 'first' to talk about important life events like your 'first job' or 'first house'.

Spelling

Don't forget the 'r' in 'first', especially in American English pronunciation.

First Principles

Use this term when you want to talk about going back to the basics of a problem.

Politeness

Remember the phrase 'ladies first' as a traditional (though optional) sign of politeness.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the number '1'. The 'f' in 'first' and 'f' in 'front' help you remember it's at the front of the line.

Visual Association

Imagine a gold medal with a large number '1' on it. This represents 'first place'.

Word Web

beginning top leader one start primary initial winner

Challenge

Try to use the word 'first' in five different sentences today, describing your morning routine.

Word Origin

From Old English 'fyrst', which is of Germanic origin.

Original meaning: Foremost, most prominent, or beginning.

Indo-European > Germanic > West Germanic > Old English

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'First World' can be seen as outdated or insensitive; 'developed nations' is often preferred.

High value placed on being first in innovation and competition.

The First Amendment (US Constitution) Neil Armstrong: 'One small step for man...' The First World War

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Giving Instructions

First, do this.
The first step is...
First of all...
First things first.

Describing Milestones

My first car.
The first time I...
Our first house.
Her first word.

Sports and Games

First place.
The first half.
First round.
First goal.

Travel and Hotels

First class.
The first floor.
The first stop.
First available flight.

Work and Business

First priority.
First edition.
First-hand experience.
First-rate service.

Conversation Starters

"What was the first movie you ever saw in a theater?"

"Can you remember your first day of school?"

"What is the first thing you do when you wake up?"

"Where was the first place you went on vacation?"

"Who was your first best friend?"

Journal Prompts

Describe your first memory. How old were you and what happened?

Write about the first time you tried something new and scary.

What is your first priority for the coming year and why?

Reflect on your first job. What did you learn from it?

If you could be the first person to do anything, what would it be?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both are correct. 'First' is more common in speech and as an adjective. 'Firstly' is used as an adverb in formal writing to start a list.

Usually, yes, when it is an adjective describing a noun (e.g., 'the first day'). You don't need it when it's an adverb (e.g., 'First, I went home').

'First' refers to order in a sequence. 'At first' refers to a situation at the beginning that later changed.

Yes, it can mean the first person or thing (e.g., 'He was the first') or a new experience (e.g., 'This is a first for me').

In formal writing, it is better to spell out 'first'. '1st' is okay for dates or very informal notes.

It means you experienced something yourself rather than hearing about it from others.

It is the immediate medical help given to someone who is injured or sick.

As a noun, yes, to mean 'first experiences' (e.g., 'a year of firsts'). As an adjective, no.

It refers to the highest quality or the most expensive seats on a plane or train.

You can say 'the first of June' or 'June first'.