First vs Firstly: What’s the Difference?

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The first vs firstly question comes up whenever you write a list of points and need a word to start it. Both words are accepted, but they are not always interchangeable, and some style guides prefer one over the other. This guide explains what each word does and how to pick the right one.

What does first mean?

First means coming before all others in time, order or importance. It is an unusually flexible word, because it can work as an adjective, an adverb, a noun and an ordinal number.

As an adjective, it appears in phrases such as “the first day” or “my first car.” As an adverb, it means before anything else, as in “Wash your hands first.” As a noun, it names an earlier event or achievement, as in “It was a first for the company.” It can also open a list of points, as in “First, we will look at the cost.”

What does firstly mean?

Firstly is an adverb that means “in the first place,” and it is used to introduce the first item in a list of points. It cannot work as an adjective or noun, so you would never say “the firstly day.”

It is usually followed by secondly, thirdly and so on. Writers use it in essays, speeches and formal arguments, often to give the structure a tidy, numbered feel.

Is firstly a real word?

Yes. Firstly is a real, standard English word, and dictionaries list it. A common myth says it is incorrect, but it is accepted in both British and American English.

It is, however, less common than first, and some writers find it a little formal or wordy. That is a matter of style, not grammar.

Should you use first or firstly in a list?

Use first when you want the simplest, most natural choice, and use firstly when you plan to continue with secondly and thirdly. The key rule is consistency, so do not mix the two systems in the same list.

A clean list with first usually continues with second, third and finally. A clean list with firstly continues with secondly, thirdly and finally. Mixing them, such as “First, … secondly, … thirdly,” reads as uneven.

How can you remember first vs firstly?

Remember that first is the flexible all-rounder and firstly is the list specialist. If you are unsure, write first, and keep the rest of the list in matching style.

Common mistakes with first vs firstly

• She was the firstly person to finish. → She was the first person to finish.
• First, we plan. Secondly, we build. Thirdly, we test. → First, we plan. Second, we build. Third, we test.
• Firstly is not a real word. → Firstly is a real word, though first is more common.
• It was a firstly for our team. → It was a first for our team.
• Firstly, … Second, … Finally, … → Firstly, … Secondly, … Finally, …

Memory tricks for first and firstly

• First is the all-rounder. It works almost anywhere, from “first place” to “First, mix the flour.”
• Firstly needs friends. It wants secondly and thirdly to follow.
• Keep the pattern. Pick one style for the whole list and stick with it.

FAQ

Is it first or firstly?

Both are correct for starting a list. First is shorter and more common, while firstly pairs with secondly and thirdly.

Is firstly grammatically correct?

Yes. Firstly is a standard English adverb and is accepted in dictionaries.

Can I use first and secondly together?

You can, but it reads as inconsistent. Use first, second and third, or firstly, secondly and thirdly.

Which is more formal, first or firstly?

Firstly can feel slightly more formal, but both work in essays and business writing.

Can firstly be used as an adjective?

No. Firstly is only an adverb. Use first for adjective and noun uses.

Conclusion

In the first vs firstly debate, both words are correct, but first is the more flexible and common choice. Use firstly only when you will follow it with secondly and thirdly. Share this with someone who mixes these up.