firstly
gb/fˈɚstli/ us/fˈɚstli/
B1
English
~ 7100
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
relation
1
used to introduce the first point
Used before the first point in a list of ideas, reasons, or things you want to say.
Usage pattern:
firstly, [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "firstly" with "at first". "Firstly" is used for giving the first point in a list ("Firstly, we need more staff"), while "at first" means "in the beginning" of a situation that later changes ("At first, I didn't like the job, but now I enjoy it"). Another common issue is using "firstly" without following it with "secondly" or a similar marker; in formal writing, if you use "firstly", it is natural to continue the sequence ("secondly", "thirdly", "finally").
Synonyms
first of all (Slightly more informal and common in speech; otherwise the same meaning.)
|
to begin with (Often sounds a bit more conversational and can also introduce background information, not only numbered points.)
|
first (Shorter and very common; some style guides prefer this over "firstly" in formal writing.)
Antonyms
lastly (Introduces the final point in a series, the opposite position to the first point introduced by "firstly".)
|
finally (Often used for the last point or conclusion, opposite in sequence to what "firstly" marks.)
Collocations
firstly, secondly
|firstly, I would like
|firstly, we need to
|firstly, because
|firstly, it is important to
|firstly, let me say
Themes
communication
|education
|writing
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Firstly, I want to thank everyone who helped organize this event.
- The report makes three main arguments: firstly, that costs are rising; secondly, that demand is falling; and thirdly, that change is urgent.
- Firstly, we need to decide on a budget before we can plan anything else.
- Firstly, it is important to understand how the system currently works.
- Firstly, I would like to address the concerns raised in your last email.
Learner examples
- Firstly, I would like to say sorry.
- Firstly, we must check the numbers.
- Firstly, let me tell you about my family.
- Firstly, the room was too small for us.
- Firstly, he forgot to call his mother.
Grammar
Dictionary form
firstly
IPA
GB/fˈɚstli/
US/fˈɚstli/
Syllables & stress
firstly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (firstly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: firstly
- Plural: firstlies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.