In the first, second, etc. place
adverb
Initially or to begin with.
I don't know why you were asked to do that in the first place.
Often appears as...
- why in the first place
- do that in the first place
adverb
Used to emphasize the most important reason or fact.
She should never have been hired in the first place.
Often appears as...
- hired in the first place
- happened in the first place
adverb
Used to introduce successive points, especially reasons, arguments, etc.
In the first place, it's too expensive, and in the second place, it's too far away.
Often appears as...
- too expensive in the first place
- too large in the first place
adverb
Initially or to begin with.
I don't know why you were asked to do that in the first place.
Often appears as...
- why in the first place
- do that in the first place
adverb
Used to emphasize the most important reason or fact.
She should never have been hired in the first place.
Often appears as...
- hired in the first place
- happened in the first place
adverb
Used to introduce successive points, especially reasons, arguments, etc.
In the first place, it's too expensive, and in the second place, it's too far away.
Often appears as...
- too expensive in the first place
- too large in the first place
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Rethinking Reason
Consider why an action or situation occurred when using 'in the first place'.
Why did you decide to move there in the first place?
Pro Tip 2/2Initial Motive
Expresses the original thought or motivation behind an action.
What made you think it was a good idea in the first place?
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