TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

first vs first of all

Both 'first' and 'first of all' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'First' is used to introduce the initial point in a list or sequence, while 'first of all' is used to introduce the most important point or consideration.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 878 views

first

Correct. 'First' is used to introduce the initial point in a list or sequence.

Use 'first' when you want to introduce the initial point or step in a series of points or steps.

Examples:

  • First, we need to gather all the necessary materials.
  • Let's address the first issue before moving on to the next one.
  • The first car that stops, decides our destination.
  • Congratulations on Mission Kashmir's first victory.
  • His first attorney was probably some 12-year-old legal-aid guy.
  • He was my first real boyfriend.
  • The first killing was too cruel.
  • Take a statement from him first.
  • She murdered her first victim here.
  • This fighting staff was my first weapon.
  • Madlyn's first birthday since her mother died.
  • We sing first and then read later.
  • My first job paid that much.
  • The first attempted switch was carefully rehearsed.
  • Gone before the first cops arrived.
  • Like their first pair of high-heeled shoes.
  • Our first meditation begins in one hour.
  • Congratulations on our first FBI raid.
  • Violence was always her first instinct.
  • Writing's always been my first love.
  • Wait. Let the dust settle first.
  • This was Bronson's first discovery.

Alternatives:

  • initially
  • to begin with
  • firstly
  • first off

first of all

Correct. 'First of all' is used to introduce the most important point or consideration.

Use 'first of all' when you want to emphasize the importance of the initial point or consideration before moving on to others.

Examples:

  • First of all, safety should always be our top priority.
  • First of all, we need to address the main issue at hand.
  • Oct 1, 2016 ... 1.1 Most importantly. 'German unity depends first of all on the German people'. None of the examples in the dictionary clarify this for me.

Alternatives:

  • above all
  • primarily
  • first and foremost
  • most importantly

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!