Synonyms for First of All | 35 Best Alternatives & Examples 2026

Understanding the phrase “First of All” is essential for clear communication, writing, and presentations. This phrase is often used to introduce the primary point, the main reason, or the initial step in a discussion. In everyday life, whether you’re explaining tasks at work, giving instructions, or sharing ideas with friends, using alternative expressions can make your language more engaging, precise, and professional.

Knowing the synonyms and variations of “First of All” helps you convey your ideas with clarity and emphasis, avoid repetition, and improve the flow of writing or speech. It also enables you to adjust your tone according to context whether formal, casual, or conversational.

In this guide, you will find a comprehensive list of 35 synonyms for “First of All”, each with meanings, usage tips, and practical examples. By the end, you’ll be able to use these alternatives confidently in writing, speaking, and presentations, making your communication clearer, more effective, and versatile.

Table of Contents

What Does First of All Mean?

First of all is a transitional phrase used to indicate the initial point, priority, or primary consideration in speech or writing. It signals the start of a list, argument, or explanation, emphasizing the most important idea before others. In professional, academic, or casual contexts, first of all helps organize thoughts logically, improving clarity and flow.

Psychologically, it prepares the audience to focus on the priority information, establishing structure and credibility. For example, in a meeting, someone might say, “First of all, we need to address the budget,” which immediately highlights the main concern. Emotionally, using this phrase can convey authority, decisiveness, and order, making communication more effective.

Origins and Background of First of All

The phrase first of all originated from Middle English constructions, combining “first” (from Old English fyrst, meaning “foremost” or “earliest”) and “of all” to indicate priority among multiple items. Over time, it became a common idiomatic expression in English, appearing in literature, formal speeches, and academic writing.

Timeline	Key Developments
1400s	Early usage in Middle English texts to indicate sequence
1600s	Appears in sermons and philosophical treatises as organizational cue
1800s	Becomes common in formal writing and correspondence
20th c.	Standardized in spoken and written English for clarity in arguments and lists

This timeline illustrates the phrase’s evolution from literary origins to everyday conversational and professional use.

List of 35 Synonyms for First of All with Meaning & Examples

1. Firstly

Meaning: Used to introduce the first point or argument.
Use When: Starting a list or explanation.
Examples:

Firstly, we need to gather all the data.
Firstly, I want to thank everyone for coming.

2. To Begin With

Meaning: Introducing the start of something.
Use When: Beginning a discussion or explanation.
Examples:

To begin with, let’s outline the main goals.
To begin with, I will explain the rules.

3. In the First Place

Meaning: Indicates the primary reason or starting point.
Use When: Highlighting importance or sequence.
Examples:

In the first place, we need to solve the main issue.
In the first place, she shouldn’t have agreed to that.

4. Primarily

Meaning: Indicates the main or chief point.
Use When: Highlighting the main focus.
Examples:

Primarily, this project aims to improve efficiency.
Primarily, we focus on customer satisfaction.

5. At the Outset

Meaning: At the very beginning of something.
Use When: Referring to the start of an event, plan, or process.
Examples:

At the outset, everyone was nervous.
At the outset, the team set clear goals.

6. To Start With

Meaning: Used to begin a statement or list.
Use When: Introducing the first of multiple points.
Examples:

To start with, we need to review the budget.
To start with, let’s check the inventory.

7. First and Foremost

Meaning: Emphasizing the most important thing first.
Use When: Giving priority to a key idea.
Examples:

First and foremost, safety comes before speed.
First and foremost, we must respect the rules.

8. Before Anything Else

Meaning: Prioritizing one thing over all others.
Use When: Stressing what must happen first.
Examples:

Before anything else, we should finalize the plan.
Before anything else, check that all equipment works.

9. As a Starting Point

Meaning: Used to indicate the beginning of reasoning or action.
Use When: Initiating a discussion or plan.
Examples:

As a starting point, we can analyze last year’s results.
As a starting point, let’s list the main objectives.

10. Foremost

Meaning: Denoting the most important or first point.
Use When: Highlighting priority or significance.
Examples:

Foremost, we must ensure everyone understands the rules.
Foremost, the safety of the team is critical.

11. In the Beginning

Meaning: At the start of an event, action, or process.
Use When: Referring to the earliest point in time.
Examples:

In the beginning, things were confusing.
In the beginning, we had limited resources.

12. First Things First

Meaning: Emphasizing that the most important matters come first.
Use When: Prioritizing tasks or points.
Examples:

First things first, we need to finish the proposal.
First things first, let’s handle the urgent issues.

13. Before All Else

Meaning: Prior to everything else.
Use When: Highlighting the priority of an action or idea.
Examples:

Before all else, ensure the safety procedures are clear.
Before all else, check the documentation.

14. At the Start

Meaning: At the very beginning of an event or task.
Use When: Talking about the opening stage of something.
Examples:

At the start, the audience was quiet.
At the start, we should introduce the key points.

15. In the First Instance

Meaning: Initially or at the first occurrence.
Use When: Referring to the first action or consideration.
Examples:

In the first instance, we need to gather data.
In the first instance, it seemed impossible.

16. As a First Step

Meaning: The very first action in a process.
Use When: Explaining steps or sequences.
Examples:

As a first step, let’s outline the plan.
As a first step, gather all necessary documents.

17. In the Lead-Off

Meaning: At the opening or introduction stage.
Use When: Referring to the first item in a sequence.
Examples:

In the lead-off, we present the background information.
In the lead-off, the manager introduced the project.

18. To Open With

Meaning: Used to begin a discussion or presentation.
Use When: Starting a speech, explanation, or argument.
Examples:

To open with, let me highlight our objectives.
To open with, I want to thank the team.

19. At First

Meaning: At the initial stage of an event or experience.
Use When: Talking about early impressions or beginnings.
Examples:

At first, it seemed complicated.
At first, I wasn’t sure about the decision.

20. In Prime Place

Meaning: Denotes the first or most important position.
Use When: Emphasizing the top priority.
Examples:

In prime place, we need to focus on safety.
In prime place, customer satisfaction comes first.

21. To Commence With

Meaning: Used to start an explanation or action.
Use When: Initiating a discussion or procedure.
Examples:

To commence with, we will review the agenda.
To commence with, let’s clarify the goals.

22. At the Forefront

Meaning: Leading or primary point in attention or importance.
Use When: Highlighting priority matters.
Examples:

At the forefront, we consider the main risks.
At the forefront, innovation drives the company.

23. As an Initial Step

Meaning: The first step in a sequence or process.
Use When: Explaining methodology or procedure.
Examples:

As an initial step, collect all necessary tools.
As an initial step, we review the plan.

24. At the Opening

Meaning: At the start of an event or discussion.
Use When: Beginning a speech, ceremony, or session.
Examples:

At the opening, the director welcomed everyone.
At the opening, key guidelines were shared.

25. In the Preliminary Stage

Meaning: Early phase of a process or plan.
Use When: Discussing initial planning or preparation.
Examples:

In the preliminary stage, we assess all risks.
In the preliminary stage, data collection is essential.

26. In Advance

Meaning: Before subsequent actions or events.
Use When: Referring to actions taken before other steps.
Examples:

In advance, prepare all necessary materials.
In advance, confirm the schedule with participants.

27. Beforehand

Meaning: Earlier or prior to a specific event.
Use When: Talking about preparation or sequencing.
Examples:

Make sure to check the details beforehand.
We need to organize the files beforehand.

28. In Primary Place

Meaning: Holding the first or main position in a sequence.
Use When: Emphasizing priority or order.
Examples:

Safety comes in primary place in the lab.
Quality assurance is in primary place in production.

29. At the Outset

Meaning: At the very beginning of an activity or discussion.
Use When: Referring to the start of something important.
Examples:

At the outset, everyone was nervous.
At the outset, we set clear objectives.

30. First Off

Meaning: Informal way to indicate the first point or argument.
Use When: Speaking casually or conversationally.
Examples:

First off, thank you all for attending.
First off, let’s address the main concerns.

31. In the Opening Move

Meaning: Initial action or step in a process.
Use When: Describing strategic or procedural sequences.
Examples:

In the opening move, we gather information.
In the opening move, assign roles to team members.

32. As the First Order of Business

Meaning: Refers to the first important task or item.
Use When: Used in formal meetings or agendas.
Examples:

As the first order of business, approve the minutes.
As the first order of business, discuss the budget.

33. At the Leading Edge

Meaning: At the forefront or most important position.
Use When: Highlighting priority matters in strategy or discussion.
Examples:

Innovation is at the leading edge of our approach.
Safety concerns are always at the leading edge of planning.

34. As Step One

Meaning: Denotes the first step in a process.
Use When: Explaining sequential actions or instructions.
Examples:

As step one, gather all the documents.
As step one, ensure all participants are informed.

35. In the Primary Instance

Meaning: Refers to the first occurrence or priority.
Use When: Emphasizing initial importance or sequence.
Examples:

In the primary instance, verify the equipment.
In the primary instance, consider all safety protocols.

How to Choose the Right Synonym for First of All

Synonyms for first of all include primarily, to begin with, in the first place, first and foremost, chiefly, initially, and as a starting point. Selecting the right synonym depends on formality, tone, and context:

Synonym	Contextual Use	Emotional/Professional Tone
Primarily	Academic or formal writing	Neutral, precise
To begin with	Casual or professional speech	Approachable, friendly
In the first place	Logical argument, reasoning	Serious, explanatory
First and foremost	Emphasis in speeches or presentations	Strong, authoritative
Chiefly	Literary or formal contexts	Formal, sophisticated
Initially	Sequential explanation, technical writing	Neutral, structured

Choosing carefully ensures the intended emphasis and tone are clear. For instance, “first and foremost” conveys priority and importance, while “to begin with” is more casual and narrative-friendly.

Cultural and Emotional Nuance of First of All

First of all carries subtle cultural and emotional undertones. In Western English-speaking cultures, it is often used in academic, professional, or persuasive contexts to demonstrate organization and clarity of thought. In non-native English-speaking contexts, its use can indicate fluency and command of formal expressions.

Emotionally, it signals structure, authority, and attentiveness to the listener’s comprehension. Variations like “first and foremost” or “primarily” can intensify the sense of urgency or priority, while “to begin with” creates a friendlier, narrative tone. Recognizing these nuances is essential for cross-cultural communication, effective writing, and public speaking.

How to Recognize This Manipulative/Relevant Behavior

While typically neutral, the way first of all is used can indicate persuasive intent or prioritization strategies. Signs include:

Opening arguments with “first of all” to emphasize a personal agenda.
Using sequential phrasing to structure thought or guide decisions.
Highlighting one point while downplaying others, showing subtle influence tactics.
Frequent use in presentations or debates to assert authority and control flow.
Combining with strong adjectives (e.g., “first of all, absolutely critical…”) to stress importance.

Professionals, educators, and communicators can observe these patterns to identify priority-setting behavior, persuasion techniques, or rhetorical strategies, helping in both analysis and effective response.

Key Insight

1. What does “First of All” mean?

First of All is a phrase used to introduce the primary point, initial step, or main reason in a discussion or explanation. It signals what is most important before moving on to other points.

2. Why should I use synonyms for “First of All”?

Using synonyms makes your writing or speech more varied and professional, avoids repetition, and allows you to match the tone of formal, casual, or creative contexts.

3. Can “Firstly” and “To Begin With” replace “First of All”?

Yes, Firstly and To Begin With are common alternatives. Firstly is slightly more formal, while To Begin With works in both casual and professional contexts.

4. Are there informal alternatives for “First of All”?

Yes, phrases like First Off or Before Anything Else are suitable for conversational speech and informal writing, making your language more natural and approachable.

5. How do I choose the right synonym?

Choose based on context, tone, and audience. For formal writing, options like In the First Place or As a First Step work best. For casual speech, use First Off or At First to sound friendly and natural.

Conclusion

Understanding the synonyms of First of All allows you to express ideas clearly, avoid repetition, and make your communication more precise and engaging. Using the right alternative in the appropriate context ensures your points are understood and prioritized effectively.

By exploring formal, informal, and stylistic variations, you can enhance both your writing and speaking skills, making your arguments, instructions, and presentations flow naturally and confidently. Using these alternatives strategically strengthens your clarity, emphasis, and overall communication impact.

Synonyms of Try | 35 Best Alternatives & Usage Examples

Synonyms of Optimism | 35 Best Alternatives & Usage Examples

Synonyms of Gaslighting I 35 Best Alternatives Usage Example.

Synonyms of Biology I 35 Best Alternatives Usage Example

Synonyms of Multidimensional I 35 Best Alternatives Example

Synonyms of Ribbon I 35 Best Alternatives Usage Example

Synonyms of Counter I 35 Best Alternatives Usage Example

Synonyms of Mirage I 35 Best Alternatives Usage Example

Jane Austen

Hi, I’M Jane Austen, the Admin of synonymexpo.com. I share the best word alternatives, synonyms, and language tips to help you write smarter and express ideas clearly.