Cool MateBut you first vs You first
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
But you first
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
You first
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: You first
| But you first | You first | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bʌt jʊ fɜːst//🇺🇸 //bʌt jʊ fɜrst// | 🇬🇧 //juː fɜːst//🇺🇸 //ju fɜrst// |
| Meaning | You go before me. | You go before anyone else. |
| Example | He opened the door and said, 'But you first.' | After you, I insist on letting you first. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | say but you first, use but you first, hear but you first | you first in line, you first, then me, I think you first |
| Common mistakes | Using 'but you first' in very formal situations might sound too casual., Some learners misplace the phrase in a sentence when trying to integrate it. | Using it in a formal context where 'please go ahead' is more appropriate., Saying it without context, which might confuse the listener., Overusing it in conversations, making it sound insincere. |
| Usage notes | Used in polite conversation to allow someone else to go ahead. Suitable for both formal and informal settings. | Use 'you first' when inviting someone to go ahead or take their turn. It's casual but polite. Avoid in very formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: But you first vs You first
What's the difference between But you first and You first?
But you first: You go before me. You first: You go before anyone else.
Which is more common: But you first and You first?
You first is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
But you first: He opened the door and said, 'But you first.' You first: After you, I insist on letting you first.
Can I use But you first and You first interchangeably?
Not always. But you first and You first are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.