firstly, secondly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "firstly, secondly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce points or arguments in a sequence, often in essays or formal writing. Example: "Firstly, we need to address the budget concerns; secondly, we should consider the timeline for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Herbert Maurice William Weedon, guitarist and teacher: born London 10 May 1920; OBE 2001; married firstly, secondly Margaret (two sons); died Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire 20 April 2012.

Independent

Henning Mankell, writer: born Stockholm 3 February 1948; married firstly, secondly and thirdly, 1998 Eva Bergman (one son); died Gothenburg 5 October 2015.

Independent

'Internal' relations are often of the 'nucleus-satellite' type: they are deployed to increase the success of a nuclear proposition (or set of propositions) or proposal (or set of proposals); but they can also be 'multi-nuclear', as in internal sequence used to link steps in an argument (firstly, secondly … furthermore).

Functional Linguistics

In Section 2, basic concepts and principles are introduced firstly; secondly the proposed ABC fuzzy clustering model is discussed, and then the flow chart and the computational step are listed, along with the time complexity analysis of the algorithm.

BioMed Research International

The paper is organized as follows: in Section "Materials and method", basic concepts and principles are introduced firstly; secondly the proposed model of clustering is discussed, and then the flow chart is listed, along with the time complexity analysis of the algorithm.

BMC Genomics

You can also use chronological transitions, such as "firstly", "secondly" and "thirdly".[3].

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 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

"You want to stay in the league firstly, but secondly you want to finish in the first five or six spots.

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "firstly, secondly" to clearly delineate points in a formal argument or discussion. It provides a structured approach to presenting information.

Common error

Avoid using "firstly, secondly" if you don't intend to continue with "thirdly" or subsequent points. Incomplete sequences can disrupt the flow and make your writing seem unfinished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firstly, secondly" functions as an enumerative adverbial phrase, used to introduce and sequentially order points or arguments in a discourse. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically sound way to structure information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "firstly, secondly" is a grammatically correct, though somewhat uncommon, way to introduce a series of points or arguments. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability for use in structuring information. It is most frequently found in news and media and scientific writing, indicating a formal and professional register. While effective for providing clarity and order, alternatives like "first and second" or "to begin with, next" may be preferred in more casual contexts. Consistency in sequencing is key when using "firstly, secondly" to avoid disrupting the flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

First and second

Replaces adverbs with adjectives for a slightly more direct approach.

To begin with, next

Uses a more conversational style for introducing points.

In the first place, in the second place

Emphasizes order and importance more formally.

Initially, then

Highlights the temporal sequence of points.

First off, secondly

Introduces a more casual tone while maintaining sequential order.

Firstly, in the second instance

Replaces "secondly" with a more formal alternative.

First, furthermore

Mixes a numerical indicator with a continuation signal.

At the outset, subsequently

Highlights the initial stage and what follows.

To start, after that

Emphasizes chronological order in a straightforward manner.

Firstly, in turn

Highlights a sequence where each point builds upon the previous one.

FAQs

How do I use "firstly, secondly" in a sentence?

Use "firstly, secondly" to introduce a sequence of points or arguments. For example, "Firstly, we must consider the budget; secondly, we should examine the timeline."

What are some alternatives to "firstly, secondly"?

You can use alternatives like "first and second", "to begin with, next", or "in the first place, in the second place" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, some style guides prefer "first, second". Both forms are acceptable, but consistency within a document is important.

What's the difference between "firstly, secondly" and "first, second"?

The main difference is stylistic. "Firstly, secondly" uses adverbs, while "first, second" uses adjectives. Both are used to enumerate points, but "firstly, secondly" can be perceived as slightly more formal or old-fashioned.