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I had a problem while writing emails where I want to tell few things in order. I had used "Firstly" in the email but I am not very sure is it a correct way to talk or write.

Tushar Diwan
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  • What did your dictionary tell you? Please note that questions that don''t show evidence of adequate research are off-topic here. – Tushar Raj Jul 09 '15 at 07:22
  • Just "First", "Second" etc. – Matt Jul 09 '15 at 07:23
  • OK @TusharRaj . Lets consider a scenario where I want to describe 3 things to the user. So in that situation can I say - Firstly -- you do this , Secondly -- You do this like that way? – Tushar Diwan Jul 09 '15 at 08:49
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    @TusharDiwan: No. Firstly is normally used to introduce points in an argument/explanation. In your scenario, you should go with first. And after that, then. – Tushar Raj Jul 09 '15 at 11:04
  • "First" is the simplest. You may emphasize it by writing "First of all". – Graffito Aug 08 '15 at 23:54
  • @Mari-LouA I think the usage is idiomatic...help me out here...in AmE we use first, and I think in BrE firstly is used. At least that's what I have always seen in textbooks. – michael_timofeev Nov 07 '15 at 17:18
  • @michael_timofeev look at the answer posted, it actually explains when the two forms are not interchangeable. Firstly, I think people tend to prefer first when there is a list of points or instructions. Secondly, it's important not to mix the two adverbs, don't start with firstly and then write second. Text books will also recommend students to not add thirdly, fourthly and so on. And finally, it depends on whether you're writing a formal paper, an English exam, or if it's just to a colleague or friend. (groan) – Mari-Lou A Nov 07 '15 at 17:25
  • @michael_timofeev no idea if firstly is preferred in BrEng. I wouldn't think so today. But maybe in the past it was so. – Mari-Lou A Nov 07 '15 at 17:30
  • @Mari-LouA I remember facing this question in a presentations class I was teaching. I looked through some textbooks, and online and answers seemed to indicate that first was preferred in AmE. Nowadays I tell Sts, "Whatever you like, just don't mix 'em." (As you mentioned.) – michael_timofeev Nov 07 '15 at 17:33
  • @michael_timofeev Found this answer which might interest you http://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/886/firstly-secondly-or-first-second/890#890 – Mari-Lou A Nov 07 '15 at 17:41
  • @Mari-LouA Thank you Mari Lou. Chiao! – michael_timofeev Nov 07 '15 at 17:45

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As pointed out in the comments, the most common way of listing, in order, an agenda of things in an email would be to use first, then, and then perhaps a concluding adverb.

These are typically called conjunctive adverbs, and you may want to have a look at this comparison.

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.

Another perspective on adding -ly to first, second, etc.

Community
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Alex L
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