using Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly - Writers Forum

Summer · 01-02-2006, 11:29 AM

Hello! Happy New Year!

Have you ever been in those moods where you've been writing all week and suddenly you can't tell what's proper grammar and what's not. LOL

Here's my question. For article writing, when writing out a list of things, for example 3 things, is it correct to use

a) First,.... Second,.... Third,....

b) Firstly,... Secondly,... Thirdly,...

c) both

d) none

Thanks a billions!

From, Tired Eyes (lol)

Ilan Bouchard · 01-02-2006, 12:33 PM

Both.

Dresdor · 01-02-2006, 01:14 PM

Both. B is more appropriate for a more archaic or a more formal writing style, and A is more appropriate for 99% of what you're writing. It also depends on your sentence structure and whether it reads well one way or another

Ejp414 · 01-02-2006, 01:41 PM

While it's by no means the word of God, I typically refer to Strunk and White's Elements of Style for such questions. This guide states if you're going to use "firstly," then you must be prepared to continue using "secondly," "thirdly," etc.—and it also points out that these extensions sound absolutely horrible.

Honestly, I'd stick to A in all cases, unless you're deliberately trying to make your document seem erudite, which is silly anyway. However, that's personal opinion, and both forms are commonly accepted.

this_reckless_pace · 01-02-2006, 02:51 PM

I remember asking myself this very question many times when writing essays back at university.

If there were three elements involved, I'd go with b - only I'd change it to firstly, secondly and finally.

Any number beyond three and it reads awkwardly.

Ilan Bouchard · 01-02-2006, 03:05 PM

Yes, but one must wonder why anyone would list their points anyway. I use "firstly" and "secondly" but continue with "furthermore" and etc.

mammamaia · 01-02-2006, 06:43 PM

ah, but 'thirdly' may not always be 'finally'... i agree with s & w re the 'ly' form...