student asking question

What does "first of all" mean?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"First of all" here is used to introduce the first point someone is making. It can also mean "before you do anything else", and is said when you want to say or ask something before a conversation proceeds. Ex: First of all, I'm reliable, second of all, I'm a hard worker, therefore you should hire me. Ex: First of all, please tell me your name.

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