First of vs. First off – Which is Correct?
First off is correct for introducing the first point, especially in casual speech. “First of” is also correct, but it normally needs a complement, as in “first of all,” “first of three,” or “the first of many.” Choose “first off” for an informal transition and “first of” before a noun or phrase.
First of or First off – Which is Correct?
Both “first of” and “first off” are correct, but they serve different grammatical purposes. First off is an informal adverbial phrase meaning “to begin with” or “first.” It commonly introduces the first point in a conversation, presentation, or list.
First of is usually not complete by itself. It typically appears before another word or phrase, such as first of all, first of three, the first of many, or first of its kind.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the “what comes next?” test. If the phrase is followed by a noun, number, or word such as all, use first of: “first of all” or “first of five.” If you are simply beginning a statement and no complement follows, use first off: “First off, let’s review the plan.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| first of | Fixed phrase | The first member of a group or sequence; often part of a longer expression | She was the first of many applicants to arrive. |
| first off | Adverbial phrase | To begin with; as the first point | First off, check that the doors are locked. |
How to Use First of
First of usually introduces one item in a sequence, group, or comparison. It is commonly followed by a noun, a number, or a pronoun. The phrase also appears in the very common expression first of all, which means “to begin with” or “most importantly.”
Although first of all can introduce a list or argument, the shorter phrase first of generally requires additional information. Saying “First of, we need to talk” sounds incomplete in standard English; “First of all” or “First off” would be better.
Example 1: She was the first of the students to submit her assignment.
Example 2: First of all, remember to save a backup copy.
Example 3: This is the first of several interviews scheduled for the week.
Etymology of the phrase first of
First comes from the Old English word fyrst, meaning earliest or foremost. Of developed from an Old English preposition expressing relationships such as belonging, origin, or association. Together, the words form a phrase identifying the earliest member of a group or sequence.
How to Use First Off
First off is an informal adverbial phrase meaning “first,” “to begin with,” or “as an initial point.” It is frequently used at the beginning of a sentence to organize ideas, introduce an explanation, or start a list.
The phrase is natural in conversation, emails, blogs, meetings, and other relaxed settings. In highly formal writing, first, firstly, or to begin with may sound more polished, although first off is not grammatically wrong.
Example 1: First off, thank you for taking the time to meet with us.
Example 2: First off, inspect the equipment for visible damage.
Example 3: First off, I want to clarify what the new policy does not change.
Etymology of the phrase first off
First comes from the Old English fyrst, meaning earliest or foremost. Off comes from an Old English word related to separation or movement away. In the phrase first off, the idea of beginning or setting out developed into the meaning “as the first step” or “to start with.”
Related Concepts
Understanding introductory adverbials and prepositional phrases makes the difference between first of and first off easier to recognize.
- Introductory adverbial: An adverbial phrase modifies a sentence by explaining when, how, or in what order something happens. First off functions this way when it introduces an opening point.
- Prepositional phrase: A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and connects words in a sentence. In the first of many, of many identifies the larger group.
- Sequencing expressions: Words and phrases such as first, next, then, and finally help readers follow the order of ideas.
- Fixed expression: Some combinations have an established meaning and pattern. First of all is a fixed expression, while first of often forms part of a longer noun phrase.
Examples from Media and Literature
The following examples reflect common uses of these phrases in public communication, storytelling, and written commentary:
- News reporting: A news presenter might say, “First off, officials confirmed that no injuries were reported,” before explaining the rest of the story.
- Business communication: A manager may write, “First of all, we appreciate everyone’s work on the project.”
- Literary description: A novel may describe a character as “the first of many visitors” to arrive at an isolated house.
- Film dialogue: A character might say, “First off, you need to hear my side of the story,” in an informal confrontation.
- Opinion writing: An editorial may state, “First of all, the proposal requires clearer evidence,” before presenting additional objections.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct phrase to complete each sentence: first of or first off.
- ________, let’s review the safety instructions.
- She was the ________ three candidates to be interviewed.
- ________, I want to thank everyone for attending.
- This is the ________ several changes planned for the department.
- ________, make sure the report contains the correct figures.
Answer Key
- First off — It introduces the opening instruction.
- first of — It identifies one person within a group of three.
- First of all — The complete fixed expression introduces the first point.
- first of — It identifies the first change in a larger sequence.
- First off — It means “to begin with.”
First of Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| first of all | To begin with; used to introduce the first point |
| the earliest of | The first person or thing within a specified group |
| the first among | The initial or leading member of a group |
| the initial one in | The first item in a series or collection |
First Off Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| to begin with | At the start or as the first point |
| first | Before anything else in order or time |
| firstly | Used to introduce the first item in an explanation or list |
| for starters | As an initial point; commonly used in informal speech |
| initially | At the beginning of a process or situation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “first off” grammatically correct?
Yes. “First off” is a correct but relatively informal phrase meaning “to begin with” or “first.” It is especially common in conversation and relaxed writing.
Question 2: Is “first of” incorrect?
No. “First of” is correct when it is followed by a complement, as in “first of all,” “first of five,” “the first of many,” or “the first of its kind.” Used alone as an introduction, it usually sounds incomplete.
Question 3: Should I use “first off” or “first of all” in formal writing?
“First of all” is generally more neutral and widely accepted in formal writing. “First off” is suitable for informal writing, dialogue, presentations, and conversational communication.
Conclusion
First off introduces a first point and works as an informal transition. First of must normally connect to another word or phrase, as in first of all or the first of many. Pro Tip: In professional writing, use the complete phrase that clearly expresses your meaning; precision strengthens your credibility.
