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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Starting a sentance if there's more than one point to get across

If I was beginning a sentance and wanted to cover my first point would I say "First I would like to thank you all for your efforts", or "firstly I would like to thank you all for your efforts".

I know it would be followed by, "secondly .........."

But I'm not sure how to start.
  

Top answer

In theory "first" is the better usage, but both are widely used by native English speakers, most of whom wouldn't be aware "firstly" is regarded by some as a substandard usage.

— Catherine Demorvan

  • In theory "first" is the better usage, but both are widely used by native English speakers, most of whom wouldn't be aware "firstly" is regarded by some as a substandard usage.
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4 Answers
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In theory "first" is the better usage, but both are widely used by native English speakers, most of whom wouldn't be aware "firstly" is regarded by some as a substandard usage.
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Catherine Demorvanmost of whom wouldn't be aware "firstly" is regarded by some as a substandard usage.
Uhm, really? I was taught 'firstly'', 'secondly' etc. are more formal, not substandard, and I was also taught they are seldom used in AmE.

The second fact is mentioned by both
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Eg Guardian style guide:

first, second, third

rather than firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc; spell out up to ninth, then 10th, 21st, millionth

http://www.guardian.co.uk/styleguide/f
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Catherine DemorvanEg Guardian style guide:
first, second, third
rather than firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc; spell out up to ninth, then 10th, 21st, millionth
Well, thanks for that, but it doesn't mean it's "substandard," does it?
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