In the first instance
Academic essay writing expression
Use it to sound professional and organized when describing the initial step of any formal process.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- A formal way to say 'firstly' or 'as a first step.'
- Commonly used in legal, academic, and professional contexts.
- Signals the beginning of a logical sequence or process.
معنی
This phrase is a professional way to say 'firstly' or 'as the very first step.' It helps you explain what should happen at the beginning of a process or an argument.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 7Professional email to a client
In the first instance, we will need to review the signed contract.
As a first step, we need to look at the contract you signed.
Academic essay writing
In the first instance, this paper will examine the historical causes of the war.
First, this essay will look at why the war started historically.
Tech support instructions
In the first instance, please try restarting your router to see if that fixes the connection.
First of all, try turning your router off and on again.
زمینه فرهنگی
The phrase is deeply rooted in British and American legal traditions, specifically referring to the first level of the court system. Over time, it transitioned from the courtroom into general professional and academic English to signal a structured, procedural approach to problem-solving.
The Comma is Key
Always put a comma after 'In the first instance' when it starts a sentence. It makes you look like a grammar pro!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase three times in one email, you'll sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'Initially' or 'Firstly'.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- A formal way to say 'firstly' or 'as a first step.'
- Commonly used in legal, academic, and professional contexts.
- Signals the beginning of a logical sequence or process.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a fancy version of the word first. It points directly to the starting line of any process. When you use it, you are telling your listener where the journey begins. It’s like saying, 'Before we do anything else, this is step one.' It sounds very organized and logical. It gives your speech a sense of structure. It’s not just about time; it’s about priority. You are identifying the most immediate action required. It’s a verbal signal that you have a clear plan in mind.
How To Use It
You usually put this at the very start of a sentence. Always follow it with a comma to let the sentence breathe. It works best when you are describing a series of steps. You can also use it to introduce your strongest point in a debate. It acts as a signpost for your reader or listener. It says, 'Pay attention, because this is where we start.' You don't need to follow it with 'in the second instance.' You can just move on to next or secondly. It’s flexible like that. It makes your professional emails look much more polished.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound like an expert. It’s perfect for formal emails to your boss or a client. It belongs in academic essays and research papers. Legal documents and contracts use it all the time. It’s great for customer service situations where you explain a procedure. Use it when you want to appear calm and methodical. It works well when you are trying to resolve a conflict. It shows you are thinking about the situation step-by-step. It’s a great 'power phrase' for meetings.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this while you're hanging out at a bar with friends. It will make you sound like a textbook. Avoid it when you're texting someone about dinner plans. It’s too stiff for a casual 'hello.' If you use it while ordering a coffee, the barista might look at you funny. Don't use it if the situation is very urgent and informal. In those cases, just say first. It’s also not great for emotional, heart-to-heart talks. It can make you sound a bit cold or detached. Save it for your professional life.
Cultural Background
This phrase has a very strong legal and administrative history. In the English legal system, a 'court of first instance' is where a trial starts. Because of this, the phrase carries a lot of authority. It suggests a world of rules, procedures, and logic. It reflects a Western cultural preference for linear thinking. We like to see things moving from A to B to C. Using this phrase shows you respect that order. It’s a small way of showing you are part of the 'professional' world.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say in the first place instead. That one is a bit more common in daily speech. Initially is a great one-word alternative if you're in a hurry. To begin with is a slightly softer, friendlier version. If you want to be even more formal, try first and foremost. Firstly is the most basic version, but it lacks the 'weight' of our phrase. Each one changes the 'flavor' of your sentence slightly. Pick the one that matches your outfit!
نکات کاربردی
This is a high-formality expression (C1 level). It is most effective in written English, especially in legal, academic, or corporate environments. Avoid using it in relaxed social settings unless you are being intentionally humorous.
The Comma is Key
Always put a comma after 'In the first instance' when it starts a sentence. It makes you look like a grammar pro!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase three times in one email, you'll sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'Initially' or 'Firstly'.
The Legal Secret
In the UK, the 'Court of First Instance' is a real thing. Using this phrase makes you sound like you have a law degree (even if you don't)!
مثالها
7In the first instance, we will need to review the signed contract.
As a first step, we need to look at the contract you signed.
Sets a professional tone for a business procedure.
In the first instance, this paper will examine the historical causes of the war.
First, this essay will look at why the war started historically.
A classic way to introduce the first topic in an essay.
In the first instance, please try restarting your router to see if that fixes the connection.
First of all, try turning your router off and on again.
Gives a clear, methodical instruction to a customer.
In the first instance, let's book the flights; we can worry about hotels later.
Let's get the flights done first, then do the hotels.
A bit formal for a text, but shows the person is a serious planner.
In the first instance, I would like to know why there is a half-eaten pizza on my keyboard.
First of all, why is there pizza on my computer?
Uses formal language to create a funny, 'mock-serious' tone.
In the first instance, I want to say how sorry I am for missing your big day.
Before anything else, I just want to say I'm sorry.
The formality adds a layer of sincerity and gravity to the apology.
In the first instance, we've been waiting for our water for twenty minutes.
To start with, we haven't even received our water yet.
Used to list grievances in a structured way.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the correct phrase to complete the formal email.
___, I would like to thank you for your interest in our company.
'In the first instance' is the standard formal expression for starting a list or process.
Which word is a more casual synonym for 'In the first instance'?
___, let's check the map.
'First' is the most natural and casual way to say this in everyday conversation.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality Spectrum of 'First'
Talking to friends or family.
First, let's eat.
Standard daily communication.
To begin with, we need a plan.
Business emails and reports.
In the first instance, contact HR.
Legal documents and academic papers.
The court of first instance ruled...
Where to use 'In the first instance'
Legal Letter
In the first instance, my client denies the claims.
University Essay
In the first instance, we define the terms.
Business Meeting
In the first instance, let's look at the budget.
Customer Service
In the first instance, check the power cable.
سوالات متداول
10 سوالIt means 'at the beginning' or 'as the first step.' You use it to show what should happen first in a process, like In the first instance, please fill out the form.
Yes, but it's much more formal. While firstly is fine for a list, in the first instance sounds more professional and procedural.
You can, but it might sound a bit sarcastic or overly formal. It's better to use first or to start with when texting friends.
No, you don't! You can follow it up with secondly, next, or subsequently. It doesn't lock you into a specific pattern.
It is used in both, but it feels slightly more common in British English due to its legal history. Americans use it mostly in very formal business or law contexts.
It's very rare. Usually, it's used as an introductory phrase at the beginning. Putting it at the end, like Call me in the first instance, is possible but less common.
Absolutely! It shows you have a high level of English and a structured way of thinking. For example: In the first instance, I would like to highlight my experience...
The most common mistake is using it for simple, non-procedural things. Don't say In the first instance, I ate an apple. It sounds ridiculous!
Not exactly. It refers to the first step in a sequence of actions, rather than the first time an event ever occurred.
In the first place is often used to justify a decision or complain, like I shouldn't have gone there in the first place. In the first instance is more about the first step of a plan.
عبارات مرتبط
In the first place
Used to state the first of a series of reasons or to say something should have happened earlier.
To begin with
A slightly less formal way to introduce the first point in a discussion.
First and foremost
Used to emphasize that the most important thing is being mentioned first.
Initially
A common adverb meaning 'at the beginning'.
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