Last updated: 17 September 2026
I once edited a five-paragraph essay where every single paragraph opened with “Firstly,” “Secondly,” or “Thirdly.” Grammatically, nothing was wrong. But by paragraph three, it read like a numbered checklist instead of an argument. That’s the real problem with these words — they’re correct, but they get repetitive fast.
This guide gives you 14+ natural alternatives to “firstly, secondly, thirdly”, grouped by tone: formal, informal, and professional. You’ll learn what part of speech these words actually are, how to swap them without losing clarity, and which options fit an essay versus an email versus a casual chat. By the end, you’ll be able to sequence your ideas without sounding like you’re reading off a list.
Are “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” Grammatically Correct?
Yes — “firstly,” “secondly,” and “thirdly” are all correct adverbs used to show the order of points in writing or speech. Some style guides consider “first” (without the “-ly”) slightly more modern and natural, but both forms are accepted in American and British English.
The real issue isn’t grammar. It’s variety. These words work as sequencing adverbs, meaning they tell the reader what comes first, next, and last. Using the same three words in every list, every essay, and every email makes your writing sound mechanical rather than clear. Good writers rotate between several options depending on how formal the piece needs to be.
Formal Alternatives
Formal alternatives fit academic essays, research papers, official reports, and formal presentations, where precision and structure matter more than casual tone.
To begin with
This phrase opens a formal list or argument the same way “firstly” does, but it reads slightly less rigid. It works well as the very first sentence of a body paragraph.
Example: “To begin with, the data shows a clear increase in remote work since 2023.”
In the first instance
A formal, almost legal-sounding phrase common in UK English reports and official writing. It signals the starting point of a structured explanation.
Example: “In the first instance, the committee reviewed the budget proposal.”
Subsequently
“Subsequently” means “after that” or “following this,” and it works as a strong formal replacement for “secondly” or “thirdly” in academic writing.
Example: “Subsequently, the research team tested the hypothesis under controlled conditions.”
In addition to this
Useful when you’re adding a second or third point that builds on the one before it, rather than introducing something completely separate.
Example: “In addition to this, the survey revealed a drop in customer satisfaction.”
Ultimately
A formal way to introduce your final or most important point — a strong substitute for “thirdly” or “lastly” in essays and reports.
Example: “Ultimately, the findings support the original hypothesis.”
Primarily, secondarily, and finally
This trio works almost identically to “firstly, secondly, thirdly,” but “primarily” and “secondarily” carry a stronger sense of ranking by importance, not just order.
Example: “Primarily, we need more funding. Secondarily, we need more staff. Finally, we need a clear timeline.”
Informal Alternatives
Informal alternatives suit conversations, casual writing, texts, and relaxed blog posts, where a strict list format would feel stiff.
First off
A casual, spoken-style opener that’s common in everyday conversation and informal writing. It’s the relaxed cousin of “firstly.”
Example: “First off, thanks for coming. Let’s get started.”
Then
Simple, short, and natural in spoken English. “Then” replaces “secondly” or “thirdly” without adding any formality at all.
Example: “We’ll grab lunch. Then we’ll head to the meeting.”
After that
A conversational way to move from one point to the next, common in storytelling and casual explanations.
Example: “We toured the office. After that, we met the team.”
Next up
Friendly and energetic, often used in presentations, videos, or casual writing when introducing the next item on a list.
Example: “Next up, let’s talk about pricing.”
Last but not least
A well-known idiom used to introduce a final point without implying it’s less important than the earlier ones.
Example: “Last but not least, don’t forget to save your work.”
One more thing
Useful for adding a final, almost casual point — it signals you’re wrapping up without a formal transition word.
Example: “One more thing — the deadline moved to Friday.”
Professional & Workplace Alternatives
These sit between formal and casual. They’re clear enough for reports and emails but don’t feel as stiff as strict academic sequencing words.
First and foremost
A professional way to highlight your top priority before moving to secondary points. It signals importance, not just order.
Example: “First and foremost, I want to thank the team for their hard work this quarter.”
Moving on to the next point
Common in meetings and presentations when transitioning between agenda items. It keeps the structure clear without sounding academic.
Example: “Moving on to the next point, let’s review the Q3 numbers.”
Another key point
A flexible phrase for adding a second or third idea in a business email or report without repeating “secondly” or “thirdly.”
Example: “Another key point is the timeline — we’re currently two weeks ahead of schedule.”
Building on that
Useful when your next point directly connects to the one before it, showing logical progression in a discussion or email.
Example: “Building on that, we should also revisit the marketing budget.”
In closing
A professional way to introduce your final point in an email, presentation, or report, similar to “thirdly” or “finally” but more polished.
Example: “In closing, I’d like to confirm next steps for the project.”
Quick Comparison Table
| Alternative | Tone | Best Used With |
|---|---|---|
| To begin with | Formal | Essays, academic writing |
| In the first instance | Formal | Reports, official writing |
| Subsequently | Formal | Research papers, formal reports |
| Ultimately | Formal | Essay conclusions, arguments |
| First off | Informal | Casual conversation, texts |
| Then / After that | Informal | Storytelling, everyday speech |
| Last but not least | Informal | Casual lists, speeches |
| First and foremost | Professional | Emails, presentations |
| Moving on to the next point | Professional | Meetings, presentations |
| In closing | Professional | Business emails, reports |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing formal and informal markers in one list. Don’t open with “to begin with” and close with “last but not least” in the same formal essay — pick one register and stay consistent.
- Overusing “firstly, secondly, thirdly” past three points. These words work for short lists. Beyond three points, switch to “next,” “another,” or numbered bullet points instead.
- Dropping the transition entirely. Removing sequencing words altogether can make a list of ideas feel disconnected. A short transition, even a casual one like “then,” still helps readers follow your structure.
- Using “firstly” and “first” inconsistently in the same piece. Both are correct, but pick one style — either the “-ly” form or the plain form — and use it throughout the same document.
Words to Use Instead of Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, Fourthly
When writing an essay, article, report, presentation, or professional document, words such as firstly, secondly, thirdly, and fourthly help organize ideas and guide the reader through a sequence. However, using the same ordinal adverbs repeatedly can make your writing feel predictable or overly formulaic. Choosing natural alternatives can make your sentences smoother, more varied, and easier to read.
Common alternatives include to begin with, first of all, initially, next, then, after that, in addition, furthermore, moreover, finally, lastly, and to conclude. The best choice depends on whether you are introducing a new point, continuing an argument, adding information, or moving toward a conclusion.
Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, Fourthly, Fifthly, Sixthly, Seventhly, Eighthly, Ninthly, Tenthly
Ordinal adverbs are words used to show the order in which points, events, or arguments appear. Firstly introduces the first point, secondly introduces the second, and thirdly introduces the third. The same pattern can continue with fourthly, fifthly, sixthly, seventhly, eighthly, ninthly, and tenthly.
Although these forms are grammatically understandable, it is not always necessary to continue using them throughout a long piece of writing. For example, a sentence containing firstly, secondly, thirdly, fourthly, fifthly, and sixthly can sound repetitive. A more natural approach is to combine ordinal adverbs with transitional phrases.
Example:
Firstly, students need clear goals. Secondly, they need a realistic study plan. Thirdly, they should manage their time effectively. Finally, they should review their progress regularly.
This version feels more natural because finally replaces the need for fourthly. In many situations, writers can use next, then, after that, another important point, in addition, and finally instead of continuing the ordinal sequence.
Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly Examples
Using ordinal adverbs can be useful when you want readers to follow several clearly separated points. They are especially common in essays, formal explanations, presentations, and structured arguments.
Example 1:
Firstly, regular exercise improves physical fitness. Secondly, it can support better sleep. Thirdly, it may help people manage everyday stress. Finally, it can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Example 2:
Firstly, identify the problem. Secondly, gather the necessary information. Thirdly, consider the available solutions. Finally, choose the option that best meets your needs.
Example 3:
Firstly, the company should improve communication. Secondly, employees should receive appropriate training. Thirdly, managers should provide regular feedback.
These examples show how ordinal adverbs create a clear progression from one idea to the next.
Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly in an Essay
In an essay, firstly, secondly, and thirdly can be used to organize supporting arguments and make the structure easier to follow. They are particularly helpful when discussing several reasons, advantages, disadvantages, or stages of an argument.
For example:
Firstly, education provides people with valuable knowledge and skills. Secondly, it can create opportunities for personal and professional development. Thirdly, quality education can help individuals participate more effectively in society.
However, academic writing does not require every paragraph to begin with firstly, secondly, or thirdly. Repeated use may make an essay sound mechanical. Instead, writers can vary their transitions according to the relationship between ideas.
For example, to begin with can introduce the first argument, another important consideration can introduce the next point, and finally can introduce the concluding argument. This creates a more natural flow while keeping the organization clear.
Ordinal Adverbs
Ordinal adverbs indicate the position or sequence of an idea, action, or event. Common examples include firstly, secondly, thirdly, fourthly, finally, and lastly. They answer the question of what comes first, next, or last?
Some useful ordinal and sequencing expressions are:
- Firstly
- Secondly
- Thirdly
- Fourthly
- Fifthly
- Initially
- First of all
- To begin with
- Next
- Then
- After that
- Subsequently
- Finally
- Lastly
- In conclusion
- To conclude
Not all of these words are exact synonyms. Firstly specifically signals the first point, while next usually indicates the following point. Finally signals the last major point or stage, whereas in conclusion usually introduces a summary or concluding statement.
Using the appropriate transition helps readers understand not only the order of your ideas but also how those ideas relate to one another.
Another Word for Firstly in an Essay
If you want another word for firstly, several natural alternatives can work depending on the tone of your essay. To begin with is conversational yet polished, while first of all is simple and widely understood. Initially is useful when discussing the beginning of a process or situation.
Other alternatives include:
- To begin with
- First of all
- At the outset
- Initially
- In the first place
- The first point is
- To start with
- At first
- One important point is
- One key consideration is
For example, instead of writing:
Firstly, technology has changed the way people communicate.
You could write:
To begin with, technology has changed the way people communicate.
Or:
One important point is that technology has changed the way people communicate.
The second version can sound especially natural when you want to avoid repetitive transition words in an academic essay.
Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, Lastly
The combination firstly, secondly, thirdly, lastly is a common way to organize four points. It is grammatically clear and easy for readers to follow.
For example:
Firstly, employees need clear expectations. Secondly, they need the right resources. Thirdly, they benefit from regular feedback. Lastly, they need opportunities to develop their skills.
You can also make this structure less repetitive:
To begin with, employees need clear expectations. Next, they need the right resources. Another important consideration is regular feedback. Finally, they need opportunities to develop their skills.
Both structures communicate the sequence clearly, but the second example provides greater variety and can feel more natural in longer writing.
Firstly, Secondly, Synonyms
There are many alternatives to firstly and secondly, but the most suitable choice depends on the relationship between your ideas.
For firstly, you can use to begin with, first of all, initially, at the outset, in the first place, or to start with.
For secondly, you can use next, then, another point is, another important consideration is, in addition, or the next point is.
For thirdly, alternatives include another point, furthermore, moreover, additionally, another consideration is, or the third point is.
For fourthly, you can often use another important point, additionally, furthermore, beyond this, or the next consideration is.
For the final point, useful alternatives include finally, lastly, ultimately, to conclude, in the end, or the final point is.
The key is not to replace every instance of firstly, secondly, and thirdly with another transition word mechanically. Instead, choose a phrase that accurately reflects the connection between your ideas. This creates writing that is organized, professional, and natural while avoiding unnecessary repetition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Synonyms for “Firstly,” “Secondly,” and “Thirdly”?
Instead of repeating “firstly,” “secondly,” and “thirdly,” you can use a variety of professional transition words. Common alternatives include to begin with, first of all, next, in addition, furthermore, moving on, finally, and lastly. These choices can make your writing sound smoother and more natural.
How Do You Say “Firstly” Professionally?
For professional writing, alternatives such as to begin with, first and foremost, initially, at the outset, and as a starting point can sound more polished. The best choice depends on whether you are introducing an argument, explaining a process, or organizing several points.
What Is a Fancy Way to Say “Secondly”?
A more polished alternative to “secondly” could be next, subsequently, in the second place, another important point is, or moving to the next point. In formal writing, “furthermore” or “in addition” may also work when you are adding another related idea rather than simply numbering points.
What Is Another Way to Say “Thirdly”?
Instead of “thirdly,” you can say finally, another key point is, the third consideration is, additionally, moving forward, or as a further point. If it is the final idea in a series, finally or lastly usually sounds more natural and professional.
Final Thoughts
Before you pick a formal option like “subsequently,” it helps to check its exact meaning so you’re using it to show sequence, not just to sound impressive.
The real skill here isn’t swapping one word for another — it’s matching the transition to the tone of what you’re writing. Formal sequencing words belong in essays and reports. Casual ones belong in conversation and texts. Once you get comfortable moving between the two, your writing stops sounding like a numbered list and starts sounding like an actual argument, one point flowing naturally into the next.
Riaz Ahmad is the founder and writer at DefineGrammar.com, dedicated to simplifying English grammar for students and writers worldwide. With a passion for language, he breaks down complex grammar rules into clear, practical lessons, helping readers write with confidence and clarity every day.
