First without second, third, etc

[Tan Elaine]

First, you may say either

Paul passed away yesterday. OR
Paul died yesterday.

Can I use 'First' and in the rest of the passage, I do not use 'Second' or 'Third', etc.

Thanks.

 

[5jj]

Not normally.

Can you give us a bit more of the passage?

 

[Tan Elaine]

Not normally.

Can you give us a bit more of the passage?

Thanks, Fivejedjon.

What I have written is my own creation. Just wonder if I continue writing the passage, I need to use 'Second' or 'Secondly', etc.

 

[5jj]

We normally use 'first(ly)' only if we are going to it with 'second(ly)', or at least '(and) then'.

In practice, in conversation, we sometimes forget that we have used 'first', and continue with no 'second'. The listener often doesn't notice.

 

[Tan Elaine]

We normally use 'first(ly)' only if we are going to it with 'second(ly)', or at least '(and) then'.

In practice, in conversation, we sometimes forget that we have used 'first', and continue with no 'second'. The listener often doesn't notice.

Thanks, Fivejedjon.

I can use "First(ly) and after writing what I have to write. I can use "Then" for the next paragraph. Is my analysis correct?

Sorry for asking you again.

Thanks.

 

[5jj]

I can use "First(ly) and after writing what I have to write, I can use "Then" for the next paragraph. Is my analysis correct?

You can, but in writing I would recommend 'second(ly). When they have the written word in front of them, people have the chance to look back and notice that a 'first(ly)' has not been followed up by the expected 'second(ly).

If you begin with 'first of all', there is no problem.

 

[Tan Elaine]

You can, but in writing I would recommend 'second(ly). When they have the written word in front of them, people have the chance to look back and notice that a 'first(ly)' has not been followed up by the expected 'second(ly).

If you begin with 'first of all', there is no problem.

Thanks, Fivejedjon.

If I use 'First of all', I need not bother about 'Secondly', etc. Just to confirm that I am correct.

Sorry again for taking up your time.

 

[Coolfootluke]

Thanks, Fivejedjon.

I can use "First(ly) and after writing what I have to write, I can use "Then" for the next paragraph. Is my analysis correct?

Sorry for asking you again.

Thanks.

I am not a teacher, nor am I Fivejedjon.

It is seldom good to use "first(ly)", "second(ly)", etc. There are usually more elegant and meaningful ways to move things along. When it is appropriate, you should stay with it once you've started it, calling the final one "last(ly)". As for the "-ly", it's a matter of taste, but be aware that "first", "second" and the rest are adverbs already if you want and do not need the suffix to make them so. Pick one form or the other---do not mix them in the same piece.

 

[5jj]

If I use 'First of all', I need not bother about 'Secondly', etc. Just to confirm that I am correct.

Yes - at least that is my opinion.