first essay synonym

11 Alternatives To “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” In Writing

“Firstly,” “secondly,” and “thirdly” are all ways to list things out in writing. It gives a structure or order to events, and that’s great in many cases. However, there are better alternatives that it’s worth knowing about. This article will share the best ones with you.

What Can I Say Instead Of “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” In Writing?

To help you get better at writing out lengthy lists, you might be interested in trying one of the following alternatives:

• First of all
• One example is
• Another example is
• The last example is
• One reason is
• Another reason is
• Most importantly

The preferred version is “first of all,” which would go on to be “second of all” and “third of all.” We can use them when we want to list things in order, and they all work much better in writing than “firstly,” “secondly,” and “thirdly.”

First Of All

“First of all” works well when we continue the list with “second of all” and “third of all.” These are useful because it allows us to number our examples specifically. In writing, this flow helps many readers to understand how different things connect with each other.

We can use these forms in both formal and informal writing. That’s what makes them so useful to us, and we recommend you get used to using them. They are much more suitable formally than “firstly” and their counterparts.

Here are some examples to show you how it works:

• First of all, one of you needs to tell me where to find the key for the chest.
• Second of all, once I have opened the chest, we will follow the map that it contains to the treasure.
• Third of all, we will locate said treasure, dig it up, and split it amongst ourselves.

“First” also works well when we drop “of all.” We can continue the list with “second” and “third,” which again are associated with the numbers one, two, and three, respectively. It’s helpful to use a phrase like this in many written formats.

Just like “first of all,” “first” is a great choice for formal writing. Some people prefer it without the “of all” ending, which is why we thought it should be placed high on this list.

• First, I would like to discuss the matter that surrounds the pollution in our lakes.
• Second, I would like to try and find some common ground that will allow us to figure out the solution.
• Third, I would like to see evidence that new legislation has been put in place to correct the pollution problems.

One Example Is

“One example is” works well when we want to start a list. It can act like “first of all,” where we want to start a list. However, using “one example is” does not always have to begin a list, which is why it can work quite well in written cases.

Sometimes, we might just want to use “one example is” to list an example of something we spoke about before. Once that example has been stated, there might not be a reason for us to continue listing more examples.

Here are some examples:

• One example is that many chimps do not get the same diets like the ones in the wild.
• One example is that there are plenty of different ways for us to help the oceans by binning our plastics.
• One example is the theory that everything comes from nothing and how perplexing that is.

Another Example Is

“Another example is” would be the continuation from “one example is.” We can use it when we want to list a second example, which might add to the list. However, we can also stop the list after this second “example.” It does not always need to come in threes.

Here are some examples of how you might use it:

• Another example is that other zoos are not as eco-friendly as they would like the people to believe.
• Another example is that we should be working a lot harder to clean up our local parks.
• Another example is that there are plenty of ways people would tackle the trolley problem, but none of them are honest solutions.

The Last Example Is

“The last example is” would be the third installment of the “example” list from above. We can use it when we want to close out the list because we use “last” to show that no further examples will be spoken of.

You might benefit from reading through these examples to see how it works:

• The last example is that there are never enough free-roaming spaces for many of the animals in our zoos.
• The last example is that billionaires do not seem to care about the current state of the world.
• The last example is that philosophy presents problems that no one really wants to solve.

“To begin” is a great way to start a list. It’s much more open-ended than the other choices in this article. If we were going to continue on this list, we would use a phrase like “continuing on” to show that there is more to our train of thought.

These examples should help you to make more sense of it:

• To begin, I would like to discuss all the matters that we raised in the previous meeting.
• To begin, it would be wise if you told me what the problems were and how you have remedied them.
• To begin, I would like to divert your attention to the figure below, as what it contains might shock you.

One Reason Is

“One reason is” is another great way to start a list. However, just like “one example is,” it does not have to begin a list at all. We can simply use it to state a single “reason,” which we then clarify and move on to our next point.

If we wanted to continue “one reason is,” we would do so in the same way as “one example is.” They are almost identical, though “reasons” are usually explanations of a previous point, while “examples” simply show what we are talking about.

Here are a few examples to help you with it:

• One reason is that people have stopped caring about their neighbors, and the world seems further apart than ever.
• One reason is that many people are scared to go out to local supermarkets anymore.
• One reason is that the government was never designed to be a trustworthy organization.

Another Reason Is

“Another reason is” would allow us to continue the list of “one reason is.” We could also use “the last reason is” if we wanted to close the list. These phrases work well when we want to show how different reasons might impact the things we are writing about.

Here are some examples to help you understand them:

• Another reason is that the age of technology has made it even harder to socialize and make friends.
• Another reason is that online shopping just happens to be a more lucrative thing to do these days.
• Another reason is that people have become naturally more untrusting since they gained access to the news.

“Finally” works when we want to finish any list. It allows us to share our “final” point, which is usually one of the most important ones. The more important we can make the final point, the more potent our writing tends to be.

Here are a few good examples:

• Finally, I would like for you to consider why you are even reading this article if you do not care.
• Finally, I would like to know why so many people pretend that the world is fine.
• Finally, we have to figure out how to fix these issues before it’s too late .

Most Importantly

“Most importantly” is another way we can end a list. It works well to replace the final item in a list when we know it is the “most important” of all to mention. It’s a superlative phrase, which considers the final item as the one the readers should focus their attention on.

Here are a few ways we can use this one correct:

• Most importantly, I think we should all start caring a little more about each other.
• Most importantly, someone is out there right now thinking about the same thing you are.
• Most importantly, it’s not all about you, and you need to give a little back to the world.

“Lastly” is another great way to close a list. It can replace a word like “thirdly” if there are only three items. Again, we typically want our “lastly” point to be the most important, but this does not always need to be the case, depending on what you are writing about.

Here are a few examples to show it to you:

• Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to read this message.
• Lastly, I think it’s important that we do not forget our roots.
• Lastly, I believe that someone else will be continuing on my efforts, so at least they weren’t in vain.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

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12 Other Ways to Say “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”

Essays are hard to write, and it’s only natural for you to have questions.

Right now, you’re probably wondering what to say instead of “firstly, secondly, thirdly” to mix up your essay and academic writing.

Luckily, we’re here to help! This article will explore other words you can use to help keep things fresh.

Other Ways to Say “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”

• To start with
• One reason is
• Following from that
• The next reason is
• The last reason is

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• “Firstly, secondly, thirdly” are correct and formal, though they are overused and can sound repetitive.
• Try combining “to begin, following from that, finally” to mix things up when listing multiple points as sentences.
• “To start with, after that, lastly” is great to use as another option that sounds more conversational.

There are plenty of great options, and it would help to know the best ways to combine them in your writing. Keep reading to learn more about the best formal and informal combinations to order your sentences.

You can also go to the final section to learn more about “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” We’ve written whether it’s correct to use them in your formal essays.

To Begin, Following On From That, Finally (Formal)

“To begin, following from that, finally” is one of the best formal synonyms you can use here. It works well in academic writing when you’re trying to list points in a specific order.

You’ll mainly find a use for this combination in essays when explaining your thought process. It clarifies an order for the reader, allowing them to follow your train of thought as they go.

“Firstly, secondly, thirdly” and “to begin, following on from that, finally” are both effective in essays. You can switch between the two to ensure you don’t use any repetitive words.

Here are some ordered examples to show you how it looks:

To begin , I would like to discuss the matters at hand. It is very important to go through these.

Following on from that , the variables must be clearly defined. This is integral to ensuring the experiment goes well.

Finally , the experiment can begin. Only then will the information be clear.

To Start With, After That, Lastly (Informal)

“To start with, after that, lastly” is an excellent synonym that works both formally and informally. Typically, you’ll use this one in essays to impress the reader and keep them engaged.

You don’t have to use this group of words in academic papers. That’s what makes it slightly less formal than the other options. Still, it’s a great variation and works well when writing to inform.

“To start with, after that, lastly” still gives you a great alternative to “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” While we don’t encourage it in fully academic papers (as there are better options), it still works well in many formal essays.

Check out some of these examples to give you more information:

To start with, I would like to demonstrate my methods. It’s good for us to be on the same page.

After that , there needs to be a brief window of downtime. Otherwise, the team might get overwhelmed.

Lastly , I’ll put everything to the test. That way, I’ll find out if my methods were successful.

Is It Correct to Say “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”?

“Firstly, secondly, thirdly” is correct and formal. You can absolutely use the three words in academic writing to list things in order of importance.

Generally, “firstly, secondly, thirdly” is overused . Many writers use them when they can’t think of anything else to write. For that reason, it’s not always wise to include them in an essay , as they could make you sound repetitive .

Technically speaking, you could even continue the list based on how many points you want to raise. To do this, you would write:

However, things get a little jarring once you get past three points. While it still makes logical sense, you shouldn’t use “fourthly” and “fifthly” if you can avoid them.

You can also drop the “-ly” ending from any of the adverbs. The following are both correct:

• Firstly, I would like to discuss my plans.
• First , I would like to explore these options.

The “-ly” is not necessary to the sentence. However, you must stay consistent depending on which word you use.

You must either say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” or “first, second, third.” Don’t mix the two.

You can always come back here to remind yourself of the best ways to list your sentences. That way, you’ll always have something new and fresh to use in your writing.

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12 Alternatives to “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” in an Essay

Essays are hard enough to get right without constantly worrying about introducing new points of discussion.

You might have tried using “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in an essay, but are there better alternatives out there?

This article will explore some synonyms to give you other ways to say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in academic writing.

Can I Say “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”?

You can not say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in academic writing. It sounds jarring to most readers, so you’re better off using “first, second, third” (removing the -ly suffix).

Technically, it is correct to say “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” You could even go on to say “fourthly” and “fifthly” when making further points. However, none of these words have a place in formal writing and essays.

Still, these examples will show you how to use all three of them:

Firstly , I would like to touch on why this is problematic behavior. Secondly , we need to discuss the solutions to make it better. Thirdly , I will finalize the discussion and determine the best course of action.

• It allows you to enumerate your points.
• It’s easy to follow for a reader.
• It’s very informal.
• There’s no reason to add the “-ly” suffix.

Clearly, “firstly, secondly, thirdly” are not appropriate in essays. Therefore, it’s best to have a few alternatives ready to go.

Keep reading to learn the best synonyms showing you what to use instead of “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” Then, we’ll provide examples for each as well.

What to Say Instead of “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”

• First of all
• One reason is
• Continuing on
• In addition

1. First of All

“First of all” is a great way to replace “firstly” at the start of a list .

We recommend using it to show that you have more points to make. Usually, it implies you start with the most important point .

Here are some examples to show you how it works:

First of all , I would like to draw your attention to the issues in question. Then, it’s important that we discuss what comes next. Finally, you should know that we’re going to work out the best solution.

2. To Begin

Another great way to start an essay or sentence is “to begin.” It shows that you’re beginning on one point and willing to move on to other important ones.

It’s up to you to decide which phrases come after “to begin.” As long as there’s a clear way for the reader to follow along , you’re all good.

These examples will also help you with it:

To begin , we should decide which variables will be the most appropriate for it. After that, it’s worth exploring the alternatives to see which one works best. In conclusion, I will decide whether there are any more appropriate options available.

“First” is much better than “firstly” in every written situation. You can include it in academic writing because it is more concise and professional .

Also, it’s somewhat more effective than “first of all” (the first synonym). It’s much easier to use one word to start a list. Naturally, “second” and “third” can follow when listing items in this way.

Here are a few examples to help you understand it:

First , you should know that I have explored all the relevant options to help us. Second, there has to be a more efficient protocol. Third, I would like to decide on a better task-completion method.

4. One Reason Is

You may also use “one reason is” to start a discussion that includes multiple points . Generally, you would follow it up with “another reason is” and “the final reason is.”

It’s a more streamlined alternative to “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” So, we recommend using it when you want to clearly discuss all points involved in a situation.

This essay sample will help you understand more about it:

One reason is that it makes more sense to explore these options together. Another reason comes from being able to understand each other’s instincts. The final reason is related to knowing what you want and how to get it.

“Second” is a great follow-on from “first.” Again, it’s better than writing “secondly” because it sounds more formal and is acceptable in most essays.

We highly recommend using “second” after you’ve started a list with “first.” It allows you to cover the second point in a list without having to explain the flow to the reader.

Check out the following examples to help you:

First, you should consider the answer before we get there. Second , your answer will be questioned and discussed to determine both sides. Third, you will have a new, unbiased opinion based on the previous discussion.

6. Continuing On

You can use “continuing on” as a follow-up to most introductory points in a list.

It works well after something like “to begin,” as it shows that you’re continuing the list reasonably and clearly.

Perhaps these examples will shed some light on it:

To begin, there needs to be a clear example of how this should work. Continuing on , I will look into other options to keep the experiment fair. Finally, the result will reveal itself, making it clear whether my idea worked.

Generally, “next” is one of the most versatile options to continue a list . You can include it after almost any introductory phrase (like “first,” “to begin,” or “one reason is”).

It’s great to include in essays, but be careful with it. It can become too repetitive if you say “next” too many times. Try to limit how many times you include it in your lists to keep your essay interesting.

Check out the following examples if you’re still unsure:

To start, it’s wise to validate the method to ensure there were no initial errors. Next , I think exploring alternatives is important, as you never know which is most effective. Then, you can touch on new ideas that might help.

One of the most effective and versatile words to include in a list is “then.”

It works at any stage during the list (after the first stage, of course). So, it’s worth including it when you want to continue talking about something.

For instance:

First of all, the discussion about rights was necessary. Then , it was important to determine whether we agreed or not. After that, we had to convince the rest of the team to come to our way of thinking.

9. In Addition

Making additions to your essays allows the reader to easily follow your lists. We recommend using “in addition” as the second (or third) option in a list .

It’s a great one to include after any list opener. It shows that you’ve got something specific to add that’s worth mentioning.

These essay samples should help you understand it better:

First, it’s important that we iron out any of the problems we had before. In addition , it’s clear that we have to move on to more sustainable options. Then, we can figure out the costs behind each option.

Naturally, “third” is the next in line when following “first” and “second.” Again, it’s more effective than “thirdly,” making it a much more suitable option in essays.

We recommend using it to make your third (and often final) point. It’s a great way to close a list , allowing you to finalize your discussion. The reader will appreciate your clarity when using “third” to list three items.

Here are some examples to demonstrate how it works:

First, you need to understand the basics of the mechanism. Second, I will teach you how to change most fundamentals. Third , you will build your own mechanism with the knowledge you’ve gained.

11. Finally

“Finally” is an excellent way to close a list in an essay . It’s very final (hence the name) and shows that you have no more points to list .

Generally, “finally” allows you to explain the most important part of the list. “Finally” generally means you are touching on something that’s more important than everything that came before it.

For example:

First, thank you for reading my essay, as it will help me determine if I’m on to something. Next, I would like to start working on this immediately to see what I can learn. Finally , you will learn for yourself what it takes to complete a task like this.

12. To Wrap Up

Readers like closure. They will always look for ways to wrap up plot points and lists. So, “to wrap up” is a great phrase to include in your academic writing .

It shows that you are concluding a list , regardless of how many points came before it. Generally, “to wrap up” covers everything you’ve been through previously to ensure the reader follows everything you said.

To start with, I requested that we change venues to ensure optimal conditions. Following that, we moved on to the variables that might have the biggest impact. To wrap up , the experiment went as well as could be expected, with a few minor issues.

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adjective as in earliest in order

Strongest match

Strong matches

aboriginal , antecedent , anterior , basic , beginning , cardinal , front , fundamental , head , inaugural , initial , key , leading , opening , original , pioneer , premier , primary , prime , primitive

Weak matches

elementary , first off , headmost , in the beginning , inceptive , incipient , introductory , lead off , number one , numero uno , primeval , primogenial , primordial , pristine , right up front , rudimentary

adjective as in highest in importance

arch , champion , chief , dominant , foremost , head , leading , main , premier , primary , prime , primo , principal , ranking , ruling , sovereign

A number one , advanced , eminent , first-class , first-string , greatest , head of the line , number one , outstanding , paramount , predominant , preeminent , supreme , top of the list , top-flight

adverb as in at the beginning

Strongest matches

initially , originally

ahead , at the outset , before all else , beforehand , in the first place , to begin with , to start with

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Example sentences.

Fluoride first entered an American water supply through a rather inelegant technocratic scheme.

In the first episode, an officer is shown video of himself shooting and killing a man.

But since those rosy scenarios were first floated, the California political scene has grown more crowded.

Eric Garcetti succeeded Villaraigosa and has received high marks in his first year and a half on the job.

He sees himself as the first Muslim president of all Europe.

This is the first and principal point at which we can stanch the wastage of teaching energy that now goes on.

He was converted and baptized, and was the first Hebrew instructor at Harvard college.

And I have not had the first morsel of food prepared from this grain offered me since I reached the shores of Europe.

Now first we shall want our pupil to understand, speak, read and write the mother tongue well.

In treble, second and fourth, the first change is a dodge behind; and the second time the treble leads, there's a double Bob.

Related Words

Words related to first are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word first . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

adjective as in original, first in a place

adjective as in ahead in position or time

• in the forefront
• in the lead

adjective as in ahead in position, time, manner

• avant-garde
• breakthrough
• cutting edge
• exceptional
• leading edge
• progressive
• state-of-the-art
• unconventional

adverb as in in front or advance of

• antecedently
• at an advantage
• at the head
• in the foreground
• onward/onwards
• precedently
• progressing
• to the fore

noun as in beginning

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'First' or 'Firstly'?

What to Know When used to begin a list of two or more things, there is a strong preference for first over firstly today, but this preference is one of custom and usage, not grammar. Both first and firstly can function as adverbs, but they are not completely interchangeable; for example, we never say “firstly of all.”

When enumerating a list of two or more things, should you begin with first or firstly ? There’s a strong preference for first in written English today, but adverbs are supposed to end in -ly , aren’t they? Like so many “rules” of English, this one isn’t a rule at all , but a shortcut that helps with broad generalizations.

Even though they are both adverbs, 'first' and 'firstly' are hardly interchangeable in all situations: we never say “I firstly noticed it yesterday." One might say "firstly, what are you doing in my home?" or "firstly, I hope you have insurance"—but if you want to avoid criticism, 'first' is the best bet for most situations.

Flat Adverbs

An adverb that has the same form as its related adjective is called a flat adverb (think of fast in “go fast” or slow in “go slow”). There are relatively few of these in English, since many adverbs do have an -ly ending, which creates adjective/adverb pairs like speedy/speedily , elegant/elegantly , close/closely , etc. Some flat adverbs have the same meaning with both forms: “The sun shines bright/brightly .” Some have different meanings, having separated over time, like “sleep tight” and “close tightly.” And some, like first and firstly , have an uneasy coexistence.

History of Firstly

It turns out that there’s been a conspiracy against firstly for centuries. The great English dictionaries of the 1700s and early 1800s by Samuel Johnson and Noah Webster didn’t even have entries for firstly , though the word had been used since the 1300s (Webster had no entry between FIRSTLING and FIRST-RATE). When firstly was finally added in the first posthumous edition of Webster’s Dictionary in 1847, it wasn’t even accorded the courtesy of a definition; instead, the entry simply reads “Improperly used instead of first.”

Some writers objected to the use of firstly instead of first for the oldest reason in the book: they thought it was new to the language (the 19th-century equivalent of saying: “That’s not a word!”). We know today that they were incorrect, but since firstly hadn’t been entered in dictionaries until then, they could be forgiven for thinking it was a neologism.

Others objected with a double correction: they said that those who used firstly created an adverb from first because the firstly -users believed that first wasn’t an adverb—all a waste of time, since first was and is used as an adverb (as are fast, slow, tight, etc.). The new objection was that firstly amounted to a pedantic hypercorrection of a word that was just fine in the first place, and therefore unnecessary. This is clearly the rationale behind the stigmatization found in the entry in the 1847 Webster’s Dictionary .

More recent objections have been more about style than substance: these commentators don’t like firstly because it’s longer than first . Even though they are both adverbs, first and firstly are hardly interchangeable in all situations: we never say “firstly of all” or “I firstly noticed it yesterday,” but these differences amount to idiomatic usage—the habits of centuries—and not grammar. In writing, first is much more common than firstly and is probably the best bet for most situations, even if the only reason is that a reader may wonder if firstly is proper and be distracted by this word choice. You might say that the conspiracy has succeeded by maintaining this word's slightly disrespectable reputation.

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