should be done at the first vs should be done at first

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Should be done at the first' is used when referring to a specific order or priority among multiple tasks. 'Should be done at first' is more commonly used when talking about the initial step in a process.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1266 views

This phrase is correct and is used when referring to a specific order or priority among multiple tasks.

"should be done at the first"

This phrase is used when emphasizing the importance of completing a task as the first priority among a list of tasks.

Examples:

This task should be done at the first before anything else.
The most critical issue should be done at the first to avoid any delays.

Show examples from the web [+]

I do not think that this should be done in the first instance.
This should be done in the first instance in the major categories of expenditure: agriculture, the Structural Funds and administration.
This needs only to be done the first time that the bottle is opened.
It remains to be done first.
This aims to clarify that the notification should only be done in the first Member State where the product is placed in the market.
I would also like to consider what could be done under the first pillar of the common agricultural policy for young farmers.
They'll be done first, followed by the recipients.
But still, stuff like this has to be done first with Yoon Jae.
There's work to be done first and much to think about.
Thus it will only be a sort of walk through, given everything that will have to be done first.
- The first aPTT determination should be done 4 hours after start of Refludan therapy.
Your rapporteur reckons however that more should be done to explain the complex nature of the first pillar.
If dosage adjustment is needed, it may be done with the first dose or during the first few weeks or months.
If dosage adjustment is needed, it may be done with the first dose or during the first few weeks or months.
I will have done it right, like it was supposed to be done in the first place.
The Belgian Presidency must therefore deal with this matter, it cannot escape it, but the preparatory work must be done first.
This should be done by you, being a descendant of the man who committed the desecration in the first place.
Monitoring of hepatic tests should be done every two weeks during the first 2 months of treatment, at the 3rd month and then regularly thereafter.
The consecutive treatment should be done at the same time each day.
There are some things that can and should be done at a European level.

Alternatives:

should be done first
should be done as the first task

This phrase is correct and is commonly used when talking about the initial step in a process.

"should be done at first"

This phrase is used to indicate that a task or action should be the very first step in a series of actions or tasks.

Examples:

The safety checks should be done at first before starting the equipment.
You should always check the ingredients at first when baking a cake.

Show examples from the web [+]

I do not think that this should be done in the first instance.
The old fool didn't realize what he had done at first, nor the terrible revenge the Bishop would take.
This should be done in the first instance in the major categories of expenditure: agriculture, the Structural Funds and administration.
It remains to be done first.
They'll be done first, followed by the recipients.
But still, stuff like this has to be done first with Yoon Jae.
There's work to be done first and much to think about.
Thus it will only be a sort of walk through, given everything that will have to be done first.
On 10 April, at first reading, I insisted that more should be done about asbestos than the Commission had proposed.
This needs only to be done the first time that the bottle is opened.
The Belgian Presidency must therefore deal with this matter, it cannot escape it, but the preparatory work must be done first.
The consecutive treatment should be done at the same time each day.
There are some things that can and should be done at a European level.
That does not mean that everything should be done at EU level.
This should be done at the next European Summit meeting with Russia.
Then we will discover that very little should be done at EU level.
What should not be done is first to collect money and then wonder what it can be spent on.
The morning after, the cook caught his first dorado... and I didn't understand what he had done at first, but Mother did... and I had never seen Mother so angry.
She's got it in her head that this should be done at home.
Therefore if any blood samples are taken from a patient, this should be done at least 16 hours after the most recent FORSTEO injection.

Alternatives:

should be done first
should be the first thing to do

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

should be done at the first vs should be done at first