first off

first off — phrasal verb

  • first offbase form
  • firsts off3rd person singular
  • firsting off-ing form
  • firsted offpast simple

1. said to introduce the first item in a series of actions, reasons, or statements

1.片語動詞B1
釋義

said to introduce the first item in a series of actions, reasons, or statements you are about to give

例句

First off, Lucía thanked all the volunteers who helped organise the charity run.

discourse marker opening a list of acknowledgments

First off, we need to check the engine oil before we start the long drive.

signals the first step in a sequence of actions

同義詞
  • firstly

    neutral register, suitable in both speech and writing

  • first of all

    slightly more formal than 'first off'

  • to begin with

    similar meaning, often used in spoken discourse

文法句型

first off, [clause]

用法筆記

Common in spoken English and informal writing. In formal or academic texts, 'first' or 'first of all' is preferred.

常見錯誤

❌First off, the board acknowledges the shareholders' concerns.
✅First of all, the board acknowledges the shareholders' concerns.
💡'First off' is too casual for formal board statements; 'first of all' fits better.