Cool MateBut you first vs Go ahead
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
But you first
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Go ahead
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Go ahead
| But you first | Go ahead | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bʌt jʊ fɜːst//🇺🇸 //bʌt jʊ fɜrst// | 🇬🇧 //ɡəʊ əˈhɛd//🇺🇸 //ɡoʊ əˈhɛd// |
| Meaning | You go before me. | to proceed or continue doing something |
| Example | He opened the door and said, 'But you first.' | You can go ahead and start the meeting without me. |
| 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 | go ahead with a plan, go ahead and do something, go ahead and ask |
| Antonyms | - | stop, pause, hesitate |
| 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. | Overusing in formal contexts where 'please proceed' is more appropriate., Confusing with 'go on' which implies continuation rather than permission., Not using appropriate pauses in dialogue. |
| Usage notes | Used in polite conversation to allow someone else to go ahead. Suitable for both formal and informal settings. | Used to give permission or encourage someone to start. Usually neutral but can be informal in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: But you first vs Go ahead
What's the difference between But you first and Go ahead?
But you first: You go before me. Go ahead: to proceed or continue doing something
Which is more common: But you first and Go ahead?
Go ahead 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.' Go ahead: You can go ahead and start the meeting without me.
Can I use But you first and Go ahead interchangeably?
Not always. But you first and Go ahead 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.