First & firstly

Dear Dr English

What is the difference between using "first" and "firstly" when writing a formal article?

Nuttawut Atiratana

The ordinal number "first" tells us that the noun which follows comes or happens before all other things of a similar type. It can be an event, people, a period of time or something else.

The first flight from London touched down at 4pm local time.

The couple spent the first four years of their marriage in a foreign country.

When we say that someone does something first, they do it before other people or anything else.

James was first to open his Christmas present.

What should I do first when I arrive at the airport?

In a situation where there is a series of events, we use "first" to say what happens before other things.

She made him a cup of tea first and then sent him to bed.

The cook fried chopped onion first and then added tomatoes.

"First" is also used when you want to indicate that something should be done before something else.

You must give the boy something to eat first: he has had nothing all day.

Since you are under age, I suggest you get your parents' consent first before enrolling in this course.

But "firstly", an adverb, is used in a speech or formal writing when you want to give a reason, make a point or mention an item which will be followed by others of the same type or connected with it.

There are many reasons why we should cut down on energy consumption. Firstly, our high energy-consumption rate has already done a lot of damage to our environment. Secondly, ….

There are three reasons why the BBB Party should form the government: firstly, we are the richest party; secondly, we know how to spend our money; lastly, we also know where to find the money.

I hope this answers your question.

By Dr English

drenglish_7@hotmail.com