first and second

USAGE SUMMARY

'first and second' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to two things in an order. For example: "I will explain the details of the project in two parts: first and second."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Runners on first and second.

The New Yorker

They won first and second place.

The Economist

First and second graders at the T.H.R.I.V.E.

The New York Times

First and second, two out.

The New York Times - Sports

First and second, nobody out.

The New York Times - Sports

First and second, one out.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

*First and second stage.

British Medical Journal

Avoid first- and second-person pronouns.

The New Yorker

Both first- and second-mode vibration issues were investigated.

Cold Regions Science and Technology

Activities were similar between first- and second-trimester villi.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

"Now, first- and second-lien holders are not chumps.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first and second" to clearly delineate two steps, items, or stages in a process. This provides clarity and structure to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "first and second" when referring to items in a list longer than two. For longer lists, it's clearer to use numbered points or ordinal numbers throughout.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first and second" functions as an ordinal enumeration, indicating a specific order or sequence. Ludwig examples show its wide applicability, from sports standings to academic grading.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first and second" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote order or sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase appears most often in "News & Media" and "Science", indicating its versatility across various writing styles. When using "first and second", ensure it aligns with your intended meaning and consider the suggested alternatives for enhanced clarity. Avoiding its misuse in lists longer than two items will further refine your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first two

A more concise way to refer to the first two items in a sequence.

top two

Focuses on the highest-ranking items.

initial and subsequent

Replaces ordinal numbers with more general terms for order.

primary and following

Emphasizes the importance of the first item and its successors.

initial pair

Highlights that you are talking about two elements or a pair.

opening and succeeding

Suggests a sequence of events or items, highlighting the initial one.

previous and next

Highlights a relative position from one element to the other

preceding and next

More formal than "previous and next"

First place and second place

Specific to rankings and competitions.

Number one and number two

More verbose way to express the concept

FAQs

How can I use "first and second" in a sentence?

Use "first and second" to refer to two distinct items or steps in a sequence. For example, "The "first and second" steps are crucial for success."

What are some alternatives to "first and second"?

Alternatives include "primary and subsequent", "initial and following", or simply "first two", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between saying "first and second" versus "firstly and secondly"?

"First and second" is generally preferred for its simplicity and directness. "Firstly and secondly" is more formal and often used in structured arguments or presentations.

When should I not use "first and second"?

Avoid using "first and second" when referring to more than two items in a series. In such cases, use ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.) or a numbered list for clarity.