firstly

/ˈfɜːstli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɜːrstli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfərst-lē/ (ame, mw)

firstly — adverb

1. a word placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause to mark the first point i

1.副詞B2
釋義

a word placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause to mark the first point in a series of reasons, arguments, or steps — typically followed by secondly, thirdly, or finally

例句

Theo gave two reasons for his decision. Firstly, the project costs were far too high.

firstly...secondly structure for listing reasons

Before you travel, do two important things. Firstly, make a copy of your passport.

firstly used to introduce instructions in a list

同義詞
  • first

    the more common choice in everyday speech and informal writing; also functions as an adjective

  • first of all

    emphasises priority or order more strongly; slightly more conversational than firstly

  • to begin with

    slightly more conversational; often used when the list has only two or three items

反義詞
  • lastly

    used to introduce the final item in a list when the first item was introduced with firstly

  • finally

    the most common antonym in paired firstly...finally structures

文法句型

firstly + comma + clause

paired with secondly, thirdly, finally

用法筆記

More common in formal writing and prepared speeches than in casual conversation. In everyday spoken English, first is the preferred choice. When you use firstly, it is natural to follow it with secondly, thirdly, and finally to create a clear structure.

常見錯誤

❌Firstly, we need to buy milk, bread, and eggs at the supermarket.
✅First, we need to buy milk, bread, and eggs at the supermarket.
💡For simple everyday errands, 'first' sounds more natural than 'firstly', which is reserved for more formal or structured lists.
❌Firstly of all, let me welcome everyone to the meeting.
✅First of all, let me welcome everyone to the meeting.
💡'Firstly of all' is not a natural English combination; use either 'first of all' or 'firstly' alone.