firstly and secondly

USAGE SUMMARY

'firstly and secondly' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce two points in an argument, discussion, or presentation. For example, "Firstly, we must address the issue of rising emissions. Secondly, we must consider the economic implications of implementing new regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

'I just got bored of saying the same thing.'" Ronald Staveley Payne, writer: born Ripon, Yorkshire 6 February 1926; married firstly and secondly, 1975 Celia Haddon; died Witney, Oxfordshire 27 May 2013.

Independent

Dorian Paskowitz, physician and surfer: born Galveston, Texas 3 March , 1921 married firstly and secondly (three daughters), 1959 Juliette Paéz (one daughter, eight sons); died Newport Beach, California 10 November 2014.

Independent

Tom Vallance David Brown, producer and journalist: born: Manhattan, New York 28 July 1916; married firstly and secondly (marriages dissolved, one son, one daughter); 1959 Helen Gurley; died Manhattan 1 February 2010.

Independent

All other evaluations are shown in Table  3.> -wrap-foot> meanan; SD standard deviation This study had three aims: firstly and secondly, HR crises in German hospitals and their causes were identified in an explorative way.

Human Resources for Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Irving described the verdict as "firstly, indescribable, and secondly, perverse".

The Guardian - Books

Given how long it's taken me to get a job that I can firstly do and secondly enjoy, I figured I'd take the latter choice.

Independent

Quitting your day job to become a full-time entrepreneur is one of the bravest things you'll ever do and if that's what you've done, firstly: bravo, and secondly, you'll know what I'm talking about below.

The Guardian

"The running of the squad and performing well in competitions doesn't come easy, but the squad really put in the hours both in and out of the gym to make sure we are able to firstly, compete, and secondly, to the best of our ability".

Independent

"The issue for you to decide is whether you are sure that firstly, Delroy Facey, and secondly Moses Swaibu, was a part of that agreement.

BBC

The most poignant was a conversation with the school principal, a man well-versed in a two-pronged curriculum of firstly Arhuac and secondly Western traditions.

BBC

"And therefore, in those circumstances, given that he was a partner of Duff & Phelps, I'm surprised that that involvement wasn't firstly disclosed, and secondly doesn't give rise to the sort of conflict of interest that I would have expected to have precluded Duff & Phelps from accepting the appointment as administrators".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "firstly and secondly" to clearly delineate two key points, especially in formal writing or presentations, ensuring each point is distinctly addressed and supported.

Common error

Avoid overuse; if you have more than two points, consider using "first", "second", "third", etc., or rephrasing to avoid a repetitive structure. For a longer list, bullet points might be preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firstly and secondly" functions as an enumerative conjunction, used to sequentially introduce two distinct points or arguments. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is used in written English to introduce a sequence of ideas.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "firstly and secondly" is a grammatically sound construction used to introduce two sequential points, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Although correct, it leans towards a slightly more formal register. While examples are relatively uncommon, they span across various contexts including science, news, and business communication. For alternative phrasing, consider "first and second" for a simpler approach. It's important to avoid overusing this structure and to opt for other enumeration methods when presenting more than two points. Prominent sources that use this phrase include the Independent, The Guardian and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

First and second

Simplified version, omitting "-ly" from both adverbs for a slightly less formal tone.

Firstly, and in the second place

Replaces "secondly" with a more verbose but similar expression.

First and furthermore

Combines the initial point with an additional, more emphatic continuation.

Initially and subsequently

Emphasizes a chronological sequence, highlighting the order of events.

Principally and secondarily

Highlights primary and secondary aspects or considerations.

To begin with, and next

Uses a more conversational style to introduce the initial point and its successor.

In the first place, and also

Highlights the primary importance of the first point and adds a secondary consideration.

At the outset, and then

Focuses on the start and continuation of a process or argument.

To start with, and in addition

Introduces a starting point and supplements it with additional information.

First off, and then

Uses a less formal, more direct approach to introduce a sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "firstly and secondly" in a sentence?

Use "firstly and secondly" to introduce two distinct points in a sequence. For example, "Firstly, we need to secure funding, and secondly, we must assemble a skilled team."

What are some alternatives to using "firstly and secondly"?

Alternatives include "first and second", "to begin with, and next", or "initially and subsequently". Consider using simpler options like "first and foremost" depending on context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "firstly and secondly"?

Yes, "firstly and secondly" is grammatically correct, although some consider "first and second" to be more modern and equally acceptable.

What is the difference between "firstly and secondly" and "first and second"?

While both are acceptable, "firstly and secondly" may be perceived as slightly more formal or old-fashioned compared to the simpler "first and second".