In the first place
adverb
Originally; from the beginning.
Why did you not say that in the first place?
Often appears as...
- didn’t say in the first place
- shouldn’t have come here in the first place
adverb
Used to show the reason or cause of something.
We would not be in this mess if you had been honest in the first place.
Often appears as...
- should’ve been honest in the first place
- never wanted this in the first place
adverb
Used when one is revising or clarifying one's previous statement or point.
To put it another way, why did you do it in the first place?
Often appears as...
- the question is why in the first place
- but in the first place
adverb
Originally; from the beginning.
Why did you not say that in the first place?
Often appears as...
- didn’t say in the first place
- shouldn’t have come here in the first place
adverb
Used to show the reason or cause of something.
We would not be in this mess if you had been honest in the first place.
Often appears as...
- should’ve been honest in the first place
- never wanted this in the first place
adverb
Used when one is revising or clarifying one's previous statement or point.
To put it another way, why did you do it in the first place?
Often appears as...
- the question is why in the first place
- but in the first place
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Expressing Regret
Used to question past decisions or express regret about not doing something earlier.
I should've studied in the first place, instead of procrastinating.
Pro Tip 2/3Clarifying Statements
Clarifies the original thought or statement, often after some confusion or misinterpretation.
In the first place, I only offered to help, not to do everything for you.
Pro Tip 3/3Highlighting Motives
Emphasizes the original reason or intention behind an action.
She joined the team in the first place because she loves the sport.
Pro Tip 1/3Expressing Regret
Used to question past decisions or express regret about not doing something earlier.
I should've studied in the first place, instead of procrastinating.
Pro Tip 2/3Clarifying Statements
Clarifies the original thought or statement, often after some confusion or misinterpretation.
In the first place, I only offered to help, not to do everything for you.
Pro Tip 3/3Highlighting Motives
Emphasizes the original reason or intention behind an action.
She joined the team in the first place because she loves the sport.
Pro Tip 1/3Expressing Regret
Used to question past decisions or express regret about not doing something earlier.
I should've studied in the first place, instead of procrastinating.
Pro Tip 2/3Clarifying Statements
Clarifies the original thought or statement, often after some confusion or misinterpretation.
In the first place, I only offered to help, not to do everything for you.
Pro Tip 3/3Highlighting Motives
Emphasizes the original reason or intention behind an action.
She joined the team in the first place because she loves the sport.
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