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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Firstly

Which of these is correct?

First, I will cover...
Second, I will cover...
etc.

Firstly, I will cover...
Secondly. I will cover...
etc.
  

Top answer

Anonymous Which of these is correct? Second, I will cover.. I am aware that the '-ly' form exists and is in wide use (particularly in the UK, I think), but personally I find it quite unnecessary and in fact abhorrent.

— Mister Micawber

  • Anonymous Which of these is correct?
  • Second, I will cover..
  • I am aware that the '-ly' form exists and is in wide use (particularly in the UK, I think), but personally I find it quite unnecessary and in fact abhorrent.
  • I emphasize that this is a personal feeling.
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4 Answers
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AnonymousWhich of these is correct?
AnonymousFirst, I will cover...Second, I will cover..
I am aware that the '-ly' form exists and is in wide use (particularly in the UK, I think), but personally I find it quite unnecessary and in fact abhorrent. I emphasize that this is a personal feeling.
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Mister MicawberI am aware that the '-ly' form exists and is in wide use (particularly in the UK, I think), but personally I find it quite unnecessary and in fact abhorrent. I emphasize that this is a personal feeling.
A feeling shared by me. 'First' and 'second' are perfectly adequate.
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PhilipA feeling shared by me. 'First' and 'second' are perfectly adequate.
Me, too.
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I don't know whether this is BrE thing, but I have nothing against firstly when it's followed by secondly, thirdly, etc. Michael Swan (Practical English Usage, 2005.158) has nothing against them, either. He considers the -ly forms 'more formal'.
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