Ordinal numbers (like first, second, third ...) make their way into idioms, just as cardinal numbers (one, two, three ...) do. Many idioms with the word first are sentence adverbs (see below). First by itself can be an adjective (first person to arrive), an adverb (do this first), a noun (I was the first), and sometimes even a verb (first a motion).
Here are some idioms with first.
1. if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. clause.
This proverb teaches to not quit trying just because your first try doesn’t isn’t successful. It goes back to at least 1840, when it was recorded in a treacher’s manual: “ ’T is a lesson you should heed, Try, try again; If at first you don’t succeed, Try, try again.” Today this popular saying is often shortened:
• It’s too bad I didn’t get the job. But you know what they say: If at first you don’t succeed …
• That didn’t fix the computer. Oh, well, try, try again.
Sentence Adverbs
Many idioms are used as sentence adverbs, changing the meaning of a whole sentence or clause. Common sentence adverbs are words like often, usually, and never. But phrases can be used this way as well. Several of the following idioms are sentence adverbs, modifying a clause or sentence.
2. first off, adv. phr.
In the beginning, before others. Also: first of all, firstly, first. (Sentence adverb.) Compare: second of all, secondly, etc. See also: first thing, first and foremost.
• Why don’t I want to go swimming? Well, first of all, it’s freezing outside. Second of all …
• First of all, clean the kitchen. Then, take out the garbage.
3. first thing, phr.
Before doing other tasks, as early as possible. (Sentence adverb.) See also: first off and first and foremost.
• Be sure to write the report first thing tomorrow morning. It’s urgent.
• I’ll text you first thing after I arrive.
4. first and foremost, adv. phr.
(1) Most importantly. (2) To begin with. (Sentence adverb.) See also: first off, first thing, and first and foremost.
• Carl’s bio says he is first and foremost a reporter.
• We have many things to talk about today, but first and foremost, we need to make a schedule.
5. at first, adv. phr.
Early on, originally. This is used to show how something that came after was different. (Sentence adverb.)
• At first Brenda loved living in a big city, but soon the noise and pollution began to bother her.
• If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
6. from the first, adv. phr.
Ever since something started, from the beginning. (Sentence adverb.)
• From the first Tina didn’t like the hotel.
• I thought that from the first.
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