second as an adverb

[Verona_82]

Hello,

I'm wondering whether it is correct to say the following thing:

(looking at a list of several events) "So we see event (d) was mentioned first. Which one was mentioned second?"

I know 'next' is a safe bet, but for some reason I wanted to use 'second'. I guess that doesn't work with 'third"?

I'd be grateful if anyone could help me.
Thank you.

 

[nyota]

I think you could easily use it.


Longman - second as an adverb

come/finish etc second (adverb)

I came second in the UK Championships.
Tea is the most popular drink, while coffee ranks. (=comes) second.

Hill finished third. (Oxford dictionary)

 

[5jj]

All the ordinals can be used as adverbs. Your sentences are fine.

 

[Verona_82]

So "Which one was mentioned fifth" is also fine?
Looks like I need some rest. When I begin to think about what I say, I begin to have doubts. This is not normal, I guess.

 

[birdeen's call]

Yup.

 

[Tdol]

So "Which one was mentioned fifth" is also fine?
Looks like I need some rest. When I begin to think about what I say, I begin to have doubts. This is not normal, I guess.

Apart from the number overload, the question might make you feel dizzy might be simply that we don't often think in such a perfectly sequenced way. I would normally only be able to answer that question if someone had been taking minutes of the discussion. ;-)