firstly
adverb /ˈfɜːstli/
/ˈfɜːrstli/
- used to introduce the first of a list of points you want to make in a speech or piece of writing
- There are two reasons for this decision: firstly…
- Firstly let me introduce myself.
- So where do we start? Well firstly, you need to assess your financial situation.
Which Word? firstly / first of all / at firstfirstly / first of all / at first- Firstly and first (of all) are used to introduce a series of facts, reasons, opinions, etc:
- The brochure is divided into two sections, dealing firstly with basic courses and secondly with advanced ones.
- At first is used to talk about the situation at the beginning of a period of time, especially when you are comparing it with a different situation at a later period:
- Maggie had seen him nearly every day at first. Now she saw him much less.
Language Bank firstfirstOrdering your points- This study has the following aims: first, to investigate how international students in the UK use humour; second, to examine how jokes can help to establish social relationships; and third, to explore the role that humour plays in helping overseas students adjust to life in the UK.
- Let us begin by identifying some of the popular joke genres in the UK.
- Next, let us turn to/Next, let us consider the question of gender differences in the use of humour.
- Finally/Lastly, let us briefly examine the role of humour in defining a nation’s culture.