20+ Other Ways to Say Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly

When you explain ideas in order, you often use firstly, secondly, thirdly. These words help your listener or reader follow your points step by step.

They are clear, simple, and very common in English. But if you use them too often, your writing or speech can sound boring or repetitive.

That is why learning other ways to say firstly, secondly, thirdly is important. The right alternative can change your tone. It can sound more formal, more friendly, or more natural. In school, work, emails, presentations, or daily talk, word choice matters.

This guide will help English learners and professionals use better, more flexible phrases with confidence.

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What Does “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” Mean?

Firstly, secondly, thirdly are sequencing words. They show the order of ideas in a sentence or paragraph.

• Firstly = the first point
• Secondly = the second point
• Thirdly = the third point

Grammar note

They are adverbs and usually come at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma.

Example:
Firstly, we need a plan. Secondly, we need a team. Thirdly, we need time.

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When to Use “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”

You can use these phrases when you want to be clear and organized.

Common situations

• Essays and exams
• Business reports
• Presentations and speeches speeches
• Instructions or explanations

Spoken vs. written

• Written English: Very common and clear
• Spoken English: Correct, but sometimes sounds stiff or formal

In casual speech, people often prefer simpler or more natural alternatives.

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Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”?

Yes, it is professional and polite, especially in formal writing. Teachers, managers, and editors accept it without problems.

However, in modern business English, it can sound:

• A little old-fashioned
• Too academic for emails or meetings

That is why many professionals prefer alternatives to firstly, secondly, thirdly.

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Pros and Cons of Using “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”

✅ Pros

• Very clear and logical
• Easy for learners
• Works well in essays and reports
• Sounds formal and structured

❌ Cons

• Repetitive if overused
• Less natural in speech
• Can sound stiff in friendly writing
• Not always engaging

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List of Alternatives to Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly

Below are 11 useful alternatives, explained in a simple and practical way.

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1. First / Second / Third

Phrase: First, second, third
Meaning: Shows order of ideas in a simple way
Explanation: This is the most common and natural alternative.
Example Sentence:
First, check the details. Second, send the email. Third, wait for a reply.
Best Use: Formal, informal, business, casual
Worst Use: Very academic writing that needs strict formality
Tone: Neutral

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2. To Begin With / Next / Finally

Phrase: To begin with, next, finally
Meaning: Shows a clear start, middle, and end
Explanation: Sounds smooth and natural in speech and writing.
Example Sentence:
To begin with, we need money. Next, we need workers. Finally, we need time.
Best Use: Writing, presentations, speech
Worst Use: Legal or technical documents
Tone: Friendly

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3. First of All / Then / After That

Phrase: First of all, then, after that
Meaning: Shows order in a relaxed way
Explanation: Very common in spoken English.
Example Sentence:
First of all, open the app. Then, choose a plan. After that, pay online.
Best Use: Informal, spoken English
Worst Use: Academic essays
Tone: Casual

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4. In the First Place / In the Second Place

Phrase: In the first place, in the second place
Meaning: Lists reasons or points
Explanation: Often used in arguments or explanations.
Example Sentence:
In the first place, it is expensive. In the second place, it is slow.
Best Use: Formal writing
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal

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5. One / Two / Three

Phrase: One, two, three
Meaning: Simple numbered points
Explanation: Short and clear, often used in speech.
Example Sentence:
One, we need food. Two, we need water. Three, we need rest.
Best Use: Spoken English, notes
Worst Use: Polished writing
Tone: Direct

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6. The First Point / The Second Point

Phrase: The first point is…, the second point is…
Meaning: Introduces ideas clearly
Explanation: Very clear for teaching or explaining.
Example Sentence:
The first point is safety. The second point is cost.
Best Use: Presentations, teaching
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Neutral

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7. Initially / Subsequently / Eventually

Phrase: Initially, subsequently, eventually
Meaning: Shows order over time
Explanation: More advanced and formal vocabulary.
Example Sentence:
Initially, we planned to stay. Subsequently, we moved. Eventually, we settled.
Best Use: Formal writing, reports
Worst Use: Beginner-level English
Tone: Formal

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8. At First / Later / In the End

Phrase: At first, later, in the end
Meaning: Shows change over time
Explanation: Very natural in storytelling.
Example Sentence:
At first, I was scared. Later, I felt calm. In the end, I was happy.
Best Use: Stories, informal writing
Worst Use: Technical writing
Tone: Friendly

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9. Step One / Step Two / Step Three

Phrase: Step one, step two, step three
Meaning: Clear steps in a process
Explanation: Common in instructions and guides.
Example Sentence:
Step one: log in. Step two: choose a file. Step three: upload it.
Best Use: Tutorials, manuals
Worst Use: Essays
Tone: Instructional

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10. For One Thing / For Another

Phrase: For one thing, for another
Meaning: Gives reasons, not strict order
Explanation: Used more in conversation.
Example Sentence:
For one thing, it is cheap. For another, it is easy to use.
Best Use: Spoken English
Worst Use: Formal lists
Tone: Conversational

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11. First and Foremost / Additionally / Lastly

Phrase: First and foremost, additionally, lastly
Meaning: Strong emphasis on the first point
Explanation: Sounds confident and persuasive.
Example Sentence:
First and foremost, safety matters. Additionally, cost is important. Lastly, time matters.
Best Use: Business, persuasive writing
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Emphatic

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Comparison Table: Top Alternatives

Phrase Set	Tone	Best For
First, Second, Third	Neutral	All situations
To begin with, Next, Finally	Friendly	Speech, writing
Initially, Subsequently, Eventually	Formal	Reports
At first, Later, In the end	Friendly	Stories
Step one, Step two	Instructional	Guides

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FAQs

1. Are “firstly” and “first” both correct?
Yes. Both are correct, but first sounds more natural.

2. Is it wrong to use “firstly, secondly, thirdly”?
No. It is correct, but can sound repetitive.

3. What is the best formal alternative?
Initially, subsequently, finally works well.

4. What do native speakers prefer?
Most prefer first, next, finally in speech.

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Conclusion

Learning other ways to say firstly, secondly, thirdly helps you sound more fluent and confident. Simple changes in words can make your English clearer, friendlier, or more professional.

There is no single “best” option. The best phrase depends on the situation, the audience, and your goal.

Try different synonyms for firstly, secondly, thirdly in your writing and speaking. With practice, your English will sound more natural and engaging every day.

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