In the first place
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use it to highlight the root cause of a problem or the first point in an argument.
15秒了解
- Used to state the primary reason or the original cause.
- Common in both academic writing and daily arguments.
- Often implies that a situation shouldn't have happened.
意思
Think of this phrase as a way to point to the very beginning of a situation or the first reason in a list. It is often used to explain why something should or shouldn't have happened from the start.
关键例句
3 / 6Regretting a purchase
I should never have bought this car in the first place.
I should never have bought this car from the start.
Structuring a formal argument
In the first place, the budget does not allow for new hires.
Firstly, the budget doesn't allow for new staff.
Texting a friend about a bad date
He was late, and he didn't even like pizza in the first place!
He was late, and he didn't even like pizza to begin with!
文化背景
This phrase reflects the Western rhetorical tradition of linear logic, where arguments are built step-by-step. It became a staple of English discourse in the 17th century as formal debate structures moved into common speech. Today, it is a hallmark of someone who wants to sound authoritative or deeply analytical.
The 'End' Trick
Put the phrase at the very end of your sentence to sound more dramatic and emphasize your frustration.
Don't confuse with 'First Place'
If you win a race, you are 'in first place' (no 'the'). If you are giving a reason, you use 'in THE first place'.
15秒了解
- Used to state the primary reason or the original cause.
- Common in both academic writing and daily arguments.
- Often implies that a situation shouldn't have happened.
What It Means
Imagine you are building a tower of reasons. This phrase is the very bottom brick. It points to the origin of an idea. It helps you list points in order. You use it to talk about the root of a situation. It often suggests that the current problem could have been avoided.
How To Use It
You can put it at the end of a sentence. This adds a bit of drama or emphasis. You can also start a list with it. It pairs well with in the second place. However, you do not always need a second point. It works as a standalone way to show priority. Just remember to use a comma if you start a sentence with it.
When To Use It
Use it when you regret a decision. Use it in a meeting to structure your thoughts. It works well when you are slightly annoyed. It shows you are thinking logically. It is great for academic essays. It is also perfect for telling a friend why a plan was bad. If you are debating someone, this is your best friend.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for physical locations. Don't say I am in the first place meaning position one. That sounds like a race. Use firstly for very short, simple lists. Do not use it if you are in a huge rush. It sounds a bit more deliberate and slow. It is not for casual greetings.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to sound logical. We use these markers to organize our messy thoughts. It dates back to old formal logic and rhetoric. It makes you sound very persuasive and organized. In Western culture, we value linear arguments. This phrase is the ultimate tool for that linear style. It gives your speech a professional rhythm.
Common Variations
You might hear to start with. Some people just say first off. Firstly is the most common academic cousin. For starters is the casual version you use at dinner. To begin with is another great alternative. They all share that 'starting line' energy.
使用说明
This phrase is highly versatile, fitting into both formal reports and heated arguments. Be careful with your tone; at the end of a sentence, it often carries a sense of 'I told you so' or regret.
The 'End' Trick
Put the phrase at the very end of your sentence to sound more dramatic and emphasize your frustration.
Don't confuse with 'First Place'
If you win a race, you are 'in first place' (no 'the'). If you are giving a reason, you use 'in THE first place'.
The Invisible List
In English, you can say 'In the first place' and never give a second reason. It's a common way to just emphasize one big point.
例句
6I should never have bought this car in the first place.
I should never have bought this car from the start.
Here, it emphasizes regret about the initial decision.
In the first place, the budget does not allow for new hires.
Firstly, the budget doesn't allow for new staff.
Used as a formal discourse marker to start a list.
He was late, and he didn't even like pizza in the first place!
He was late, and he didn't even like pizza to begin with!
Adds emphasis to a fundamental flaw in the person.
Why did I come into this room in the first place?
Why did I even come in here?
A common funny moment of forgetfulness.
The software shouldn't have been installed in the first place.
The software shouldn't have been installed at all.
Points to the root of a technical problem.
I didn't want to go to the party in the first place.
I didn't want to go to the party from the beginning.
Shows that the speaker's stance hasn't changed.
自我测试
Choose the best phrase to express regret about starting a project.
We shouldn't have started this project ___. It is too expensive.
The phrase 'in the first place' is used to refer back to the very beginning of an action, especially when expressing regret.
Complete the sentence to list the first reason in a business meeting.
___, we need to address the safety concerns.
When starting a list of points, 'In the first place' is the correct idiomatic expression.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'In the first place'
Used when complaining to friends.
I didn't even want cake in the first place!
Common in daily work conversations.
Why did we change the password in the first place?
Used in essays or structured debates.
In the first place, the evidence is insufficient.
When to use 'In the first place'
Expressing Regret
I shouldn't have said that.
Listing Arguments
Point number one...
Questioning Origins
How did this start?
Showing Annoyance
I never liked this anyway!
常见问题
12 个问题Yes, but firstly is usually for lists, while in the first place is better for explaining the origin of a problem.
Absolutely! Just make sure to put a comma after it, like: In the first place, we don't have the money.
Yes, it's very common when complaining to friends, e.g., I didn't want to go in the first place!
Not necessarily. Many people use it alone just to emphasize their main point.
It can sound a bit aggressive if you use it while arguing, as it implies the other person made a mistake from the start.
In first place is for sports or rankings. In the first place is for reasons and logic.
Yes, it is a perfect transition word for formal writing to introduce your first argument.
No, it is an abstract phrase about time or logic, not a literal place like a house.
It is used equally in both British and American English.
No, that is a common mistake. The preposition must always be in.
Yes, it is a very close synonym to initially or to begin with.
Yes, it's great for summarizing why a strategy was chosen or why a mistake occurred.
相关表达
To begin with
Used to introduce the first of several points.
For starters
An informal way to say 'as a first point'.
First and foremost
Used to highlight the most important reason.
Initially
At the beginning of a process or situation.
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