Firstly vs. First: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 29, 2023
"Firstly" is an adverb used to introduce a series of points or arguments, while "First" can be an adverb, adjective, or noun, indicating the initial position or order in a sequence.
Key Differences
"Firstly" is specifically used as an adverb to introduce a point in an argument or list, emphasizing its position in a sequence. "First," in its adverbial form, serves a similar purpose but is more versatile, being used in broader contexts beyond just listing points.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
While "firstly" is limited to being an adverb, "first" can function as an adverb, adjective, or noun. As an adjective or noun, "first" denotes the initial item or position in a sequence or order.
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Dec 29, 2023
"Firstly" is often considered more formal and is commonly used in academic or formal writing. "First," on the other hand, is more universally applicable and is preferred in informal contexts and spoken English.
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Dec 29, 2023
Some styles of English, particularly American English, favor "first" over "firstly," viewing the latter as unnecessary. British English tends to be more accepting of both forms.
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Dec 29, 2023
The choice between "firstly" and "first" can affect the rhythm and flow of a sentence. "Firstly" might be chosen for its stylistic effect in a series, while "first" is often selected for its brevity and directness.
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Dec 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Preferred Usage
In listing points in arguments
General introduction, broader use
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Varietal Preference
More acceptable in British English
Favored in American English
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Impact on Sentence Flow
Can be stylistically emphatic
More direct and concise
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Firstly and First Definitions
Firstly
Used to introduce the first point in a list.
Firstly, we must address the budget constraints.
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Dec 29, 2023
First
Indicating the top rank or position.
Her performance was ranked first in the competition.
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Dec 29, 2023
Firstly
Emphasizes the order of points or arguments.
Firstly, it's important to consider the historical context.
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Dec 29, 2023
Firstly
A stylistic choice to start a series.
Firstly, let's examine the main characters.
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Firstly
Used in formal or academic writing.
Firstly, the data suggests a positive correlation.
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Firstly
Indicates the beginning of a sequence of thoughts.
Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone for coming.
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Dec 29, 2023
First
(Music) The voice or instrument highest in pitch or carrying the principal part.
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Oct 19, 2023
First
The transmission gear or corresponding gear ratio used to produce the range of lowest drive speeds in a motor vehicle.
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Oct 19, 2023
Firstly
In the first place; before anything else; - sometimes improperly used for first.
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First
Coming before all others in order or location
The first house on your left.
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Oct 19, 2023
First
Occurring or acting before all others in time; earliest
The first day of spring.
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First
Ranking above all others, as in importance or quality; foremost
Was first in the class.
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Oct 19, 2023
First
(Music) Being highest in pitch or carrying the principal part
First trumpet.
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Oct 19, 2023
First
Of, relating to, or being the transmission gear or corresponding gear ratio used to produce the range of lowest drive speeds in a motor vehicle.
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Oct 19, 2023
First
Of, related to, or being a member of the US president's household
First daughter Sasha Obama.
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First
Before or above all others in time, order, rank, or importance
Arrived first.
Forgot to light the oven first.
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First
Preceding all others of a series or kind; the ordinal of one; earliest.
Hancock was first to arrive.
The first day of September 2013 was a Sunday.
I was the first runner to reach the finish line, and won the race.
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First
Most eminent or exalted; most excellent; chief; highest.
Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece.
The first violinist
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First
Before anything else; firstly.
Clean the sink first, before you even think of starting to cook.
I plunged nose first into the water.
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First
For the first time.
I first witnessed a death when I was nine years old.
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First
(uncountable) The person or thing in the first position.
He was the first to complete the course.
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Oct 19, 2023
First
(countable) Something that has never happened before; a new occurrence.
This is a first. For once he has nothing to say.
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First
(in combination) A fraction whose (integer) denominator ends in the digit 1.
One forty-first of the estate
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First
Preceding all others of a series or kind; the ordinal of one; earliest; as, the first day of a month; the first year of a reign.
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First
Most eminent or exalted; most excellent; chief; highest; as, Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece.
It is the intention of the person to reveal it at first hand, by way of mouth, to yourself.
See, Father, what first fruits on earth are sprungFrom thy implanted grace in man!
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First
Before any other person or thing in time, space, rank, etc.; - much used in composition with adjectives and participles.
Adam was first formed, then Eve.
And all are fools and lovers first or last.
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First
The upper part of a duet, trio, etc., either vocal or instrumental; - so called because it generally expresses the air, and has a preëminence in the combined effect.
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First
The first or highest in an ordering or series;
He wanted to be the first
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First
The time at which something is supposed to begin;
They got an early start
She knew from the get-go that he was the man for her
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First
The fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed at first base
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First
The lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle; used to start a car moving
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First
Preceding all others in time or space or degree;
The first house on the right
The first day of spring
His first political race
Her first baby
The first time
The first meetings of the new party
The first phase of his training
The last time I saw Paris
The last day of the month
Had the last word
Waited until the last minute
He raised his voice in a last supreme call
The last game of the season
Down to his last nickel
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Oct 19, 2023
First
Serving to set in motion;
The magazine's inaugural issue
The initiative phase in the negotiations
An initiatory step toward a treaty
His first (or maiden) speech in Congress
The liner's maiden voyage
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First
Ranking above all others;
Was first in her class
The foremost figure among marine artists
The top graduate
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First
Highest in pitch or chief among parts or voices or instruments or orchestra sections;
First soprano
The first violin section
Played first horn
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First
Being the gear producing the lowest drive speed;
Use first gear on steep hills
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First
Before another in time, space, or importance;
I was here first
Let's do this job first
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First
Denoting the earliest or primary.
He was the first to arrive at the meeting.
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First
The foremost reason or cause.
The first reason for my decision is personal.
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First
Relating to the original or earliest form.
The first edition of the book is rare.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "first" be a noun?
Yes, "first" can function as a noun indicating the foremost position.
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Dec 29, 2023
Do "firstly" and "first" mean the same?
As adverbs, they have similar meanings but differ in formality and usage.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is "firstly" more formal than "first"?
Generally, yes, "firstly" is considered more formal.
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Dec 29, 2023
Does "firstly" have synonyms?
Synonyms include "initially," "primarily," or "to begin with."
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Dec 29, 2023
Can "firstly" start a paragraph?
Yes, especially in formal or academic writing.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is "first" acceptable in academic writing?
Yes, "first" is widely acceptable in academic writing.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is "firstly" grammatically correct?
Yes, "firstly" is grammatically correct as an adverb.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can "first" be used instead of "firstly"?
Yes, "first" can often replace "firstly," especially in informal contexts.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is "first" used in time expressions?
Yes, like "first thing in the morning."
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Dec 29, 2023
Is "first" used in spoken English?
Yes, "first" is commonly used in spoken English.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is "firstly" used in lists?
Yes, it's often used to introduce points in a list.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is "firstly" outdated?
Not outdated, but its usage varies by region and style.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is "firstly" used in British English?
Yes, it's more commonly used in British English.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Is "firstly" common in American English?
It's less common compared to "first."
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Dec 29, 2023
Do "firstly" and "first" differ in length?
Yes, "firstly" is longer and can affect sentence rhythm.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can "first" be an adjective?
Yes, it can describe something as being earliest or foremost.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is "first" more versatile than "firstly"?
Yes, due to its multiple grammatical roles.
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Dec 29, 2023
Does "firstly" imply a following sequence?
Typically, it suggests more points will follow.
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Dec 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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