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# firstly

adverb (firstly)

«firstly» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

Used to introduce the first point in a list of reasons or steps. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/firstly/#m1)

### In the lessons

In writing lessons «firstly» is a time-and-order connective, followed by «secondly», «thirdly» and «finally» or «lastly». It helps the reader follow an argument or instructions. Many writers prefer just «first». Phrases: «firstly … secondly … finally».

### Examples

- Firstly, wash your hands. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/firstly/#x1)
- Firstly, dogs are loyal; secondly, they keep you fit. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/firstly/#x2)
- Firstly, we will read the poem, then we will write our own. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/firstly/#x3)
- I want a bike, firstly because it's fun and secondly because it's healthy. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/firstly/#x4)
- Firstly, put the flour in the bowl. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/firstly/#x5)

### Note

Usually starts a sentence and is followed by a comma. Both «first» and «firstly» are correct (UK writers use «firstly» more).

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «firstly» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/firstly/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«firstly» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/firstly.html) on Mova free.