Is it wrong to use Firstly, Secondly, and thirdly?

Is it wrong to use Firstly, Secondly, and thirdly?

It is not wrong to use firstly, secondly, and so on to enumerate your points. Nor is it wrong to use the simpler first, second, etc. I have three reasons for wanting to visit Rome. Firstly, I would love to see the Colosseum. Secondly, I’m sure the pope is dying to meet me. Thirdly, they have great pizza.

When to use first, second, and third adverbs?

First and firstly are both ordinal (or ordering) adverbs that English speakers and writers use to enumerate related points (e.g., first…second…third… or firstly…secondly…thirdly… ). Because first, second, and third work perfectly well as both adjectives and adverbs, some people find…

What’s the difference between first, second, and third?

In the first place , in the second place, etc. are unnecessarily wordy. One , two , three, etc. are even more informal than first , second , third, etc. The slightly formal-sounding -ly adverbs appear often—for example:

Is it superfluous to use Firstly, Secondly, and fourthly?

Because ordinal numbers (i.e., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) function as both adjectives and adverbs, the -ly adverbs firstly, secondly, thirdly, fourthly, and so on are superfluous. But despite the longstanding superstition against using them, these words are common in all types of writing, and there’s no need to avoid them.

When to use first, second, third, and fourth?

Used only in enumerating heads, topics, etc. in discourse; and many writers prefer first, even though closely followed by secondly, thirdly, etc. @Rusher: Firstly, I think we have to accept that you really are just a failure at operating Google’s ngram.

It is not wrong to use firstly, secondly, and so on to enumerate your points. Nor is it wrong to use the simpler first, second, etc. I have three reasons for wanting to visit Rome. Firstly, I would love to see the Colosseum. Secondly, I’m sure the pope is dying to meet me. Thirdly, they have great pizza.

First and firstly are both ordinal (or ordering) adverbs that English speakers and writers use to enumerate related points (e.g., first…second…third… or firstly…secondly…thirdly… ). Because first, second, and third work perfectly well as both adjectives and adverbs, some people find…

How to write first, second, third in English?

If you feel awkward starting paragraphs with firstly, secondly etc. consider the following expressions as suitable equivalents. Initially OR to start with (less formal) = first(ly) Then / next / after that / afterwards = later. In addition / additionally = second(ly) Furthermore / moreover OR what’s more (less formal) = third(ly)

Posted In Q&A