secondly

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   Used to introduce the second item in a list of points, reasons or steps.

   Grammar: Usually opens a sentence and is followed by a comma: Secondly, we need more time.

   Patterns

   • firstly ... secondly ...
   • secondly, clause

   Firstly, the rent is high; secondly, the area is noisy.

   Secondly, you should check your sources.

   I like the plan for two reasons: first, it saves money, and secondly, it saves time.

2. 2adverbnot comparableformal

   After the first thing, in order or rank.

   Grammar: Less common and works in a sequence of events or ranks.

   Patterns

   • firstly ... secondly

   The team will assess the damage, and secondly, plan repairs.

   Secondly, the soldiers were to secure the bridge.

   He was thanked firstly for his time and secondly for his advice.

Common combinations

firstly ... secondly

Firstly, it is cheap; secondly, it is quick.

secondly, and more importantly

Secondly, and more importantly, it is safe.

and secondly

And secondly, I want to apologize.

secondly, we

Secondly, we should consider the cost.

Synonyms and how they differ

second

Second is equally correct and shorter, and many writers prefer it over secondly.

next

Next is more flexible and suggests the following step rather than a numbered point.

in the second place

In the second place is wordier and a little formal, but has the same meaning.

furthermore

Furthermore adds a point but does not number it.

Word family

second adjective

coming after the first

firstly adverb

used to start a list

thirdly adverb

used to introduce the third point

second noun

a unit of time

Commonly confused: secondly or second?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “secondly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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