First and foremost
Academic essay writing expression
Use this to signal your absolute top priority in a formal or serious conversation.
En 15 segundos
- Used to highlight the most important point.
- Common in academic writing and public speaking.
- Adds serious emphasis to your primary argument.
Significado
This phrase is used to introduce the most important point in a list or argument. It tells your listener that everything else comes second to this specific idea.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6In a job interview
First and foremost, I am looking for a role where I can grow.
First and foremost, I am looking for a role where I can grow.
Giving advice to a friend
First and foremost, you need to get some sleep before the exam.
First and foremost, you need to get some sleep before the exam.
Writing an academic essay
First and foremost, we must examine the economic causes of the war.
First and foremost, we must examine the economic causes of the war.
Contexto cultural
This phrase is a 'pleonasm,' meaning it uses two words with similar meanings for emphasis. It is deeply rooted in formal English rhetoric and is a favorite of politicians and academics to establish authority and clarity.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after this phrase if it starts a sentence. It gives the reader a tiny breath to prepare for your big point.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it three times in one talk, nothing feels 'foremost' anymore. Save it for your one true 'number one' point.
En 15 segundos
- Used to highlight the most important point.
- Common in academic writing and public speaking.
- Adds serious emphasis to your primary argument.
What It Means
Imagine you have a long list of ideas. One idea is the king of that list. First and foremost introduces that king. It tells people: "Listen to this part most." It means the most important thing. It is a way to prioritize your thoughts clearly.
How To Use It
Put it at the start of your sentence. Follow it with a comma. Then say your main point. It is like a drumroll for your words. You can also use it after a verb. For example, "We must, first and foremost, stay safe." It adds a lot of weight to your statement.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound serious. It works great in job interviews. Use it in university essays to show logic. It is perfect for giving heartfelt advice to friends. Use it in a meeting to focus the team. It shows you have very clear priorities.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small, silly things. Avoid it when ordering fast food. "First and foremost, I want fries" sounds too dramatic. It might make people laugh at you. Do not use it if you have ten points. It only works for the very top priority. Keep it for things that actually matter.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to rank things. We like to know what comes first. This phrase has been around for centuries. It combines two words that mean the same thing. This "double emphasis" makes it feel very strong. It is a classic rhetorical trick used by leaders.
Common Variations
You might hear first of all. That is more common in daily speech. Above all is another great choice. Primarily is the very formal version. If you want to be simple, just say most importantly. Each one changes the flavor of your sentence slightly.
Notas de uso
This phrase sits in the formal-to-neutral register. While perfect for essays and speeches, it can feel 'extra' or overly intense in very casual settings like a bar or a playground.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after this phrase if it starts a sentence. It gives the reader a tiny breath to prepare for your big point.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it three times in one talk, nothing feels 'foremost' anymore. Save it for your one true 'number one' point.
The 'Double' Meaning
In Old English, 'foremost' already means 'first.' Using both words together is a linguistic trick to make the sentence sound more powerful and rhythmic.
Ejemplos
6First and foremost, I am looking for a role where I can grow.
First and foremost, I am looking for a role where I can grow.
Shows the speaker has clear career goals.
First and foremost, you need to get some sleep before the exam.
First and foremost, you need to get some sleep before the exam.
Emphasizes health over studying.
First and foremost, we must examine the economic causes of the war.
First and foremost, we must examine the economic causes of the war.
Sets the primary focus of the paper.
First and foremost: do we have enough snacks for everyone?
First and foremost: do we have enough snacks for everyone?
A slightly dramatic way to show snack priority.
First and foremost, I am the champion of this kitchen, so I choose the music.
First and foremost, I am the champion of this kitchen, so I choose the music.
Uses formal language for a silly power struggle.
First and foremost, I want you to know how proud I am of you.
First and foremost, I want you to know how proud I am of you.
Places emotional importance above all else.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to start a serious presentation about safety.
___, we must ensure all employees wear protective gear.
This phrase sets a serious, prioritized tone for a safety presentation.
Complete the sentence to show the most important part of a vacation.
When we travel, ___, we want to experience the local food.
This indicates that food is the top priority of the trip.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'First and foremost'
Talking to a sibling about chores.
First off, do the dishes.
Giving directions to a stranger.
First of all, turn left.
Writing a thesis or business report.
First and foremost, the data suggests...
A legal document or high-level speech.
First and foremost, the law provides...
Where to use 'First and foremost'
University Essay
Introducing the main thesis.
Job Interview
Stating your primary skill.
Heartfelt Advice
Telling a friend to be safe.
Wedding Toast
Honoring the couple's love.
Business Meeting
Setting the quarterly goal.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means 'most prominent' or 'at the front.' When combined with first, it creates a very strong emphasis on priority.
Yes, but it might sound a bit dramatic. Use it when you are being jokingly serious, like First and foremost, don't forget the pizza!
First of all is more common and slightly more casual. First and foremost is more powerful and better for writing.
No, the order is fixed. English speakers always say first and foremost because of the natural rhythm of the phrase.
Absolutely. It is a classic transition phrase for essays to introduce a primary argument or piece of evidence.
Usually, yes. However, you can place it in the middle of a sentence between commas for extra emphasis, like We must, first and foremost, be honest.
It would sound very strange! Unless you are making a joke, stick to I would like... or First, can I get...
It is used equally in both! It is a standard phrase across the entire English-speaking world.
Yes, it is a great way to highlight your most important qualification or reason for applying.
The most common mistake is forgetting the comma or using it for a list of very minor, unimportant things.
Frases relacionadas
Above all
More important than anything else mentioned.
First and center
In a position of great importance or visibility.
Primarily
For the most part; mainly.
Of paramount importance
More important than anything else (very formal).
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