Master confusing words with ease
First vs. Firstly
First
/fɜːst/Examples:
Athos rose first, saying, "it is late, then....Emma's answer was ready at the first word."Kyūzō Sukune, first grade, second class, Hiroshima Prefectural First Middle School."
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Firstly
/ˈfɜːstli/Examples:
'It is only Firstly.Firstly, people generally don't like taking responsibility.Firstly, ensure that all documents are signed.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- First can be used as both an adjective and an adverb, adding flexibility in sentence structure.
- Firstly is specifically an adverb, often used to introduce the first point in a series.
- Firstly might seem more formal, especially in structured writing or speeches.
- When listing points, firstly might be preferred for maintaining parallel structure with secondly, thirdly, etc.
- Using first can make the sentence sound more conversational compared to firstly.
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