Understanding ‘First’: A Key Word for IELTS and Daily English
Learn about the word ‘first’ in English, including its functions as an adjective, adverb, and noun. Discover its meaning, history, antonyms, synonyms, and proper usage with examples to improve your IELTS score and everyday communication.
Have you ever wondered about the importance of the word first in English? Today, we’re going to explore this common yet versatile word that you’ll encounter frequently in your IELTS exam and everyday life.
Word type: First can function as an adjective, adverb, or noun, making it a flexible word in various contexts.
Meaning: As an adjective or adverb, first means coming before all others in time, order, or importance.
As a noun, it refers to the person or thing that is before all others.
Word history: The word first comes from Old English and has Germanic roots.
It has been an essential part of the English language for over a thousand years.
Antonyms: Some antonyms of first include last, final, and ultimate.
Synonyms: Synonyms for first include initial, primary, foremost, and leading.
Examples use in sentences:
Let’s look at how to use first in different contexts. As an adjective, you might say She was the first person to arrive at the party.
As an adverb, you could say I first met my best friend in high school. And as a noun, you might hear The first of the month is when rent is due.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing first with firstly when starting a list. While both are correct, first is more commonly used and preferred in formal writing.
For example, say First, we need to prepare the ingredients rather than Firstly, we need to prepare the ingredients.
Now that we’ve explored the word first, try using it in your own sentences. Remember, practice is key to improving your vocabulary and achieving a higher band score in your IELTS exam.
The more you use first in various contexts, the more natural it will become in your English communication.
