When writing or speaking, we often use “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” to list points in order. While this works, repeating it too often can feel monotonous, old-fashioned, or overly formal.
If you want your communication to sound more modern, natural, and engaging, there are many alternatives to express order and sequence.
This guide explores 25 alternatives to “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”, complete with their meaning, definition, tone, explanation, examples, best uses, and when not to use them.
What Does “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” Mean?
The phrase “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” is used to organize ideas or points in a sequence, usually in writing or formal speech. It helps guide the reader or listener by showing the order of arguments, explanations, or steps. Using these words signals that the information is being presented in a logical and structured way, making it easier to follow.
While “firstly, secondly, thirdly” is correct, many people simply use “first, second, third” in modern writing, as it sounds a bit more natural and less formal, while still keeping the same meaning of presenting points in order.
When to Use “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”
- When writing formal essays, reports, or academic work.
- In presentations where a clear order of points is required.
- In structured debates or discussions.
- Whenever clarity and logical order are important.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”?
Yes, using “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” is both professional and polite, especially in formal writing or structured presentations, because it clearly organizes your points in a logical order. It shows clarity, attention to detail, and helps the audience follow your argument step by step.
However, in modern business communication and academic writing, many people prefer the simpler “First, Second, Third” since it sounds more natural and less stiff. Both forms are acceptable, but choosing the style often depends on the tone and formality of the context.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Provides clear structure.
- Universally recognized.
- Easy to follow.
Cons:
- Can feel too formal or old-fashioned.
- Sounds repetitive in long writing.
- Less natural in everyday speech.
Synonyms For “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”
- First, Second, Third
- To Begin With, Next, Finally
- First of All, Then, Lastly
- First Point, Second Point, Third Point
- Step One, Step Two, Step Three
- First Off, Secondly, Thirdly
- To Start, Moving On, In Conclusion
- Point One, Point Two, Point Three
- In the First Place, In the Second Place, In the Third Place
- First and Foremost, Also, Finally
- To Begin, After That, To End
- Number One, Number Two, Number Three
- Our First Priority, Our Second Focus, Our Third Consideration
- Initially, Subsequently, Finally
- First Up, Next Up, Last Up
- First Step, Next Step, Final Step
- First Stage, Second Stage, Third Stage
- At First, Later On, In the End
- Our First Goal, Our Second Goal, Our Third Goal
- Primarily, Additionally, Lastly
- First Consideration, Second Consideration, Third Consideration
- First Argument, Second Argument, Third Argument
- To Start With, Afterwards, Lastly
- In the Beginning, Then, Finally
- One Thing, Another Thing, The Last Thing
1. First, Second, Third
Meaning: A simplified version of the phrase.
Definition: Modern and cleaner without the “-ly” endings.
Tone: Neutral, professional, straightforward.
Explanation: Widely accepted in both writing and speaking, especially in professional contexts.
Example:
- “First, we’ll discuss the goals. Second, we’ll review the budget. Third, we’ll assign tasks.”
Best Use: Reports, presentations, structured documents.
When Not to Use: Extremely formal essays (some academics still prefer “firstly”).
2. To Begin With, Next, Finally
Meaning: A smooth and conversational way to order points.
Definition: Transition words that flow naturally in speech or writing.
Tone: Polite, engaging, easy to follow.
Explanation: Helps maintain reader or listener interest by sounding less robotic.
Example:
- “To begin with, we’ll cover introductions. Next, we’ll move to the training. Finally, we’ll wrap up with Q&A.”
Best Use: Presentations, team meetings, casual writing.
When Not to Use: Very formal or academic papers.
3. First of All, Then, Lastly
Meaning: Friendly and semi-formal sequencing.
Definition: Commonly used in everyday communication.
Tone: Conversational, approachable.
Explanation: Works well in both spoken and written contexts where the tone doesn’t need to be stiff.
Example:
- “First of all, thank you for being here. Then, let’s look at the updates. Lastly, I’ll share our plans for next month.”
Best Use: Emails, casual presentations, blog writing.
When Not to Use: Legal or highly technical documents.
4. First Point, Second Point, Third Point
Meaning: A clear, numbered structure.
Definition: A direct way of labeling arguments or items.
Tone: Formal, professional, academic.
Explanation: Ensures clarity when presenting multiple arguments or data points.
Example:
- “The first point is about efficiency. The second point relates to costs. The third point covers sustainability.”
Best Use: Formal writing, essays, structured reports.
When Not to Use: Casual speech—it sounds too rigid.
5. Step One, Step Two, Step Three
Meaning: Sequential steps for a process.
Definition: A process-oriented way to organize information.
Tone: Instructional, clear, professional.
Explanation: Perfect for tutorials, guides, or processes.
Example:
- “Step one: gather your documents. Step two: submit the form. Step three: wait for confirmation.”
Best Use: Manuals, training guides, how-to content.
When Not to Use: Abstract or theoretical writing.
6. First Off, Secondly, Thirdly
Meaning: A slightly modern variation.
Definition: More casual than “firstly,” still structured.
Tone: Semi-formal, conversational.
Explanation: Helps ease into lists without sounding stiff.
Example:
- “First off, I want to thank everyone. Secondly, let’s go over the updates. Thirdly, we’ll plan next steps.”
Best Use: Emails, presentations.
When Not to Use: Academic or legal papers.
7. To Start, Moving On, In Conclusion
Meaning: Smooth transitions between points.
Definition: Sequence phrases that add flow and rhythm.
Tone: Polished, professional, engaging.
Explanation: Adds storytelling quality, making communication more dynamic.
Example:
- “To start, let’s look at the survey results. Moving on, we’ll discuss strategies. In conclusion, we’ll finalize our action plan.”
Best Use: Speeches, presentations, blog posts.
When Not to Use: Highly technical documentation.
8. Point One, Point Two, Point Three
Meaning: Clear labeling of key points.
Definition: A straightforward way to emphasize important ideas.
Tone: Formal, academic, structured.
Explanation: Useful when you want to stress numbered points in a logical order.
Example:
- “Point one: customer satisfaction is improving. Point two: revenue growth is steady. Point three: costs are under control.”
Best Use: Formal reports, research papers.
When Not to Use: Conversational writing or casual speech.
9. In the First Place, In the Second Place, In the Third Place
Meaning: A more formal and traditional structure.
Definition: A detailed way of sequencing points.
Tone: Formal, academic, structured.
Explanation: Slightly old-fashioned but still effective in academic or legal writing.
Example:
- “In the first place, the law supports this claim. In the second place, precedent confirms it. In the third place, logic sustains it.”
Best Use: Legal documents, formal debates, essays.
When Not to Use: Everyday communication.
10. First and Foremost, Also, Finally
Meaning: Emphasizing importance with smooth transitions.
Definition: Sequencing phrases that highlight priority.
Tone: Professional, slightly formal, engaging.
Explanation: Shows order while giving weight to the first point.
Example:
- “First and foremost, we must ensure safety. Also, we should consider efficiency. Finally, we need to plan for the future.”
Best Use: Business writing, speeches.
When Not to Use: Simple or step-by-step instructions.
11. To Begin, After That, To End
Meaning: Transitional words that add flow to structured points.
Definition: A natural way to guide someone from start to finish.
Tone: Conversational, warm, professional.
Explanation: Helps sequence points without sounding mechanical or repetitive.
Example:
- “To begin, let’s review last quarter. After that, we’ll talk about next steps. To end, we’ll discuss timelines.”
Best Use: Team meetings, casual presentations.
When Not to Use: Very formal reports or academic writing.
12. Number One, Number Two, Number Three
Meaning: A clear, numbered sequence.
Definition: A direct way of labeling points numerically.
Tone: Neutral, structured, formal.
Explanation: Useful when clarity is more important than style.
Example:
- “Number one: we’ve achieved higher sales. Number two: customer engagement is up. Number three: retention has improved.”
Best Use: Data-driven reports, technical writing.
When Not to Use: Natural storytelling or conversational speech.
13. Our First Priority, Our Second Focus, Our Third Consideration
Meaning: Sequencing with emphasis on importance.
Definition: A structured way of highlighting key concerns.
Tone: Professional, persuasive.
Explanation: Great for highlighting priorities or action steps.
Example:
- “Our first priority is quality. Our second focus is affordability. Our third consideration is customer experience.”
Best Use: Business strategy, leadership communication.
When Not to Use: Casual or friendly chats.
14. Initially, Subsequently, Finally
Meaning: A polished way to show progression.
Definition: Formal transitions that indicate order over time.
Tone: Formal, professional, polished.
Explanation: Perfect for academic and professional writing where flow matters.
Example:
- “Initially, we tested the model. Subsequently, we made improvements. Finally, we released the updated version.”
Best Use: Research papers, presentations, formal reports.
When Not to Use: Informal or everyday speech.
15. First Up, Next Up, Last Up
Meaning: Friendly sequence often used in events or activities.
Definition: Informal transitions for introducing multiple items or speakers.
Tone: Casual, warm, energetic.
Explanation: Makes your delivery feel engaging and less rigid.
Example:
- “First up, we’ll hear from the design team. Next up, the developers. Lastly, our client feedback.”
Best Use: Event hosting, team updates, casual talks.
When Not to Use: Academic or highly formal documents.
Also Read This: 25 Other Ways to Say “Please Let Me Know if This Works for You” (With Examples)
16. First Step, Next Step, Final Step
Meaning: Step-by-step instructions.
Definition: Sequencing words tailored for processes.
Tone: Instructional, clear, direct.
Explanation: Works well when explaining methods or guides.
Example:
- “First step: login to your account. Next step: update your profile. Final step: save changes.”
Best Use: Manuals, tutorials, instructional writing.
When Not to Use: General communication without a process.
17. First Stage, Second Stage, Third Stage
Meaning: Progression across phases.
Definition: Structured way to show steps in a longer process.
Tone: Technical, professional.
Explanation: Perfect for project management or research discussions.
Example:
- “The first stage is data collection. The second stage is analysis. The third stage is implementation.”
Best Use: Projects, research, development cycles.
When Not to Use: Casual conversation.
18. At First, Later On, In the End
Meaning: Natural flow for storytelling.
Definition: Transition words that describe order in a narrative.
Tone: Conversational, warm, engaging.
Explanation: Works well for speeches and casual writing.
Example:
- “At first, I didn’t understand the task. Later on, it became clear. In the end, I completed it successfully.”
Best Use: Blogs, speeches, casual explanations.
When Not to Use: Highly technical or academic documents.
19. Our First Goal, Our Second Goal, Our Third Goal
Meaning: Structuring with emphasis on objectives.
Definition: Goal-oriented sequencing.
Tone: Motivational, professional.
Explanation: Best for leadership communication and planning.
Example:
- “Our first goal is increasing customer trust. Our second goal is expanding services. Our third goal is improving retention.”
Best Use: Business plans, team meetings, motivational talks.
When Not to Use: Academic writing.
20. Primarily, Additionally, Lastly
Meaning: Smooth way to emphasize order.
Definition: Transitional words that flow well in modern communication.
Tone: Professional, semi-formal, polished.
Explanation: Sounds natural and modern while maintaining clarity.
Example:
- “Primarily, we’ll address customer needs. Additionally, we’ll review new policies. Lastly, we’ll finalize deadlines.”
Best Use: Presentations, emails, reports.
When Not to Use: Highly casual speech.
21. First Consideration, Second Consideration, Third Consideration
Meaning: Order focused on thoughtful evaluation.
Definition: A structured way to analyze points.
Tone: Formal, thoughtful, professional.
Explanation: Works well when discussing evaluations or comparisons.
Example:
- “The first consideration is cost. The second consideration is quality. The third consideration is sustainability.”
Best Use: Reports, proposals, analysis.
When Not to Use: Informal chats.
22. First Argument, Second Argument, Third Argument
Meaning: Sequencing used in debates or persuasion.
Definition: Labeling structured reasoning.
Tone: Formal, persuasive.
Explanation: Ideal for structured arguments in debates or essays.
Example:
- “My first argument is about fairness. My second argument is about efficiency. My third argument is about impact.”
Best Use: Debates, essays, formal discussions.
When Not to Use: Everyday conversation.
23. To Start With, Afterwards, Lastly
Meaning: Flowing transitions with softer tone.
Definition: Common sequence for speech and writing.
Tone: Conversational, friendly, engaging.
Explanation: Keeps listeners engaged by sounding natural.
Example:
- “To start with, let’s look at the data. Afterwards, we’ll discuss the insights. Lastly, we’ll plan improvements.”
Best Use: Meetings, presentations, casual writing.
When Not to Use: Formal legal or academic writing.
24. In the Beginning, Then, Finally
Meaning: Sequential storytelling approach.
Definition: Time-based transitions.
Tone: Neutral, semi-formal.
Explanation: Works well in stories or explanations.
Example:
- “In the beginning, we faced challenges. Then, we found solutions. Finally, we achieved success.”
Best Use: Speeches, storytelling, blogs.
When Not to Use: Formal academic writing.
25. One Thing, Another Thing, The Last Thing
Meaning: Casual way of listing.
Definition: Everyday alternative for sequencing ideas.
Tone: Informal, conversational.
Explanation: Best used in friendly communication where structure is needed but tone is light.
Example:
- “One thing I love is traveling. Another thing is cooking. The last thing is reading.”
Best Use: Conversations, personal writing, casual talks.
When Not to Use: Business or academic contexts.
Conclusion
Using “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” is not wrong—it’s clear and professional—but it can sometimes feel outdated, repetitive, or overly formal. By choosing from these 25 thoughtful alternatives, you can make your communication feel more modern, natural, and engaging, while still keeping things structured and easy to follow.
Whether you’re writing an email, report, presentation, essay, or speech, these variations allow you to adjust your tone—from formal and academic to friendly and conversational.
The key takeaway: Don’t limit yourself to just one style. Choose the alternative that matches your audience, purpose, and tone. That’s how you’ll sound both professional and approachable.
FAQs About Saying “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”
1. Is it correct to say “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”?
Yes, it’s grammatically correct. However, many style guides suggest using First, Second, Third instead because it sounds cleaner and less formal.
2. What is the most professional alternative?
For business or academic writing, “First, Second, Third” or “Initially, Subsequently, Finally” are the most professional alternatives.
3. Can I use “First of all” instead of “Firstly”?
Yes, “First of all” is widely used in both written and spoken English. It feels friendlier and less rigid than “Firstly.”
4. What’s the most natural option for everyday conversation?
Phrases like “To start with, then, finally” or “One thing, another thing, the last thing” feel the most conversational and easy-going.
5. Is “Firstly” outdated?
It’s not outdated, but it does sound more formal and academic than modern alternatives. In casual or business communication, people prefer First, Second, Third.
