“First of all” makes sense when you want to emphasize the primacy of the first item in a series, but it should not be followed by
“second of all
,” where the expression serves no such function. And “secondly” is an adverbial form that makes no sense at all in enumeration (neither does “firstly”).
Can you start a sentence with first of all?
You use first of all to introduce the first of a number of things that you want to say
. The cut in the interest rates has not had very much impact in California for two reasons. First of all, banks are still afraid to loan.
Should I put comma after first of all?
When we write sequence words like first, next, then, or
last, we put a comma after those words
. Sequence words are important when following directions so that we know exactly what to do first, second, third, and so on.
Is it first of all or First off all?
Senior Member. I would say ‘first’ or ‘firstly’ would be used in formal writing; ‘first of all’ in less formal writing and in speech; and ‘
first off’ is the most colloquial
.
How do you use first of all?
You use first of all to introduce the first of a number of things that you want to say. The cut in the interest rates has not had very much impact in California for two reasons. First of all,
banks are still afraid to loan
.
What are the 8 rules for commas?
- Use a comma to separate independent clauses.
- Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
- Use a comma between all items in a series.
- Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses.
- Use a comma to set off appositives.
- Use a comma to indicate direct address.
Should you use first or firstly?
Even though they are both adverbs,
‘first’
and ‘firstly’ are hardly interchangeable in all situations: we never say “I firstly noticed it yesterday.” One might say “firstly, what are you doing in my home?” or “firstly, I hope you have insurance”—but if you want to avoid criticism, ‘first’ is the best bet for most …
Is it rude to say first of all?
3 Answers.
It is no ruder or more courteous than ‘First
‘ or ‘To begin with’ or ‘In the first place’ or ‘Let me start by saying’. They are all perhaps a little abrupt. It doesn’t really matter which you use.
How do you use first in a sentence?
- It was the first money that he had ever had. …
- First it was the inheritance thing. …
- The first cars were called “horseless carriages.” …
- He was the first great American painter. …
- Still, it was her first car and one with memories packed into it.
How do you use the word then in a sentence?
- Then he picked up another box. …
- Then he turned to do it all in reverse. …
- She said something and then rode ahead. …
- Then she ran straight into the fence – like she didn’t see it. …
- Alex glanced at Jonathan and then rubbed the top of his head. …
- Her lower lip pushed out and then she started to cry.
What can I say instead of first off?
firstly first | foremost immediately | primo first of all | first up first thing | in the first place up front |
---|
What can I say instead of first?
- earliest,
- foremost,
- headmost,
- inaugural,
- initial,
- leadoff,
- maiden,
- original,
Why is it in the first place?
1 —used at the end of a sentence to indicate what
was true
or what should have been done at the beginning of a situation We should never have gone there in the first place. I didn’t care much for the job in the first place.
What can I say instead of second of all?
secondly also | besides furthermore | in addition additionally | as well further | on top of that moreover |
---|
What should I say instead of first of all in an essay?
first firstly | before all else first and foremost | before anything else beforehand | initially at first | off at the outset |
---|
Is fourthly a proper word?
in the fourth place
; fourth.