First/last thing

adverbial phrase

At the very start or end of the day or activity.

I like to exercise first thing in the morning.
Visual representation of "first/last thing" - At the very start or end of the day or activity

Often appears as...

  • first thing in the morning
  • last thing at night
adverbial phrase

The most important or immediate task or preference.

The first thing I do when I get to work is check my email.
Visual representation of "first/last thing" - The most important or immediate task or preference

Often appears as...

  • the first thing you need to ...
  • my first thing is ...
adverbial phrase

Absolutely no, certainly not, under no condition.

The last thing I would do is hurt you.
Visual representation of "first/last thing" - Absolutely no, certainly not, under no condition

Often appears as...

  • the last thing i want to ...
  • the last thing she would ...
adverbial phrase

At the very start or end of the day or activity.

I like to exercise first thing in the morning.
Visual representation of "first/last thing" - At the very start or end of the day or activity

Often appears as...

  • first thing in the morning
  • last thing at night
adverbial phrase

The most important or immediate task or preference.

The first thing I do when I get to work is check my email.
Visual representation of "first/last thing" - The most important or immediate task or preference

Often appears as...

  • the first thing you need to ...
  • my first thing is ...
adverbial phrase

Absolutely no, certainly not, under no condition.

The last thing I would do is hurt you.
Visual representation of "first/last thing" - Absolutely no, certainly not, under no condition

Often appears as...

  • the last thing i want to ...
  • the last thing she would ...
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "first/last thing"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Time Specific

The phrase marks a specific routine time; it's about when something happens rather than what or how.

Illustration for Time Specific
She reads the newspaper first thing every morning.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emphasize Routine

Used to stress a habitual action done consistently at a certain time.

Illustration for Emphasize Routine
I check messages last thing before bed.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Sometimes it's not literal, just indicating early or late in a time frame or sequence.

Illustration for Not Literal
Finish your homework first thing after your break.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Time Specific

The phrase marks a specific routine time; it's about when something happens rather than what or how.

Illustration for Time Specific
She reads the newspaper first thing every morning.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emphasize Routine

Used to stress a habitual action done consistently at a certain time.

Illustration for Emphasize Routine
I check messages last thing before bed.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Sometimes it's not literal, just indicating early or late in a time frame or sequence.

Illustration for Not Literal
Finish your homework first thing after your break.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Time Specific

The phrase marks a specific routine time; it's about when something happens rather than what or how.

Illustration for Time Specific
She reads the newspaper first thing every morning.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emphasize Routine

Used to stress a habitual action done consistently at a certain time.

Illustration for Emphasize Routine
I check messages last thing before bed.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Sometimes it's not literal, just indicating early or late in a time frame or sequence.

Illustration for Not Literal
Finish your homework first thing after your break.
Visual representation of the word "First/last thing"

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