first

first

1. When used with a number, first (like last) normally precedes it, as in the first three cars. This practice dates from the 16c, when first came to be regarded more as an adjective than as a noun; before that time, it was common to say the two (or three, etc.) first…. In current use, the order the three first cars would suggest three cars that came first in three races, and not the three cars that came first, second, and third in the same race.

2. In listing a sequence of points or topics, there is a convention that the first item is introduced by first, not firstly, although the continuation can be secondly, thirdly, fourthly, etc. The reason for this is that first early on had a role as an adverb, and the use of firstly, though established by the 17c, was felt to be an unnecessary affectation. Today this rule seems little more than a superstition, and various sequences are in use: first…, secondly…, thirdly; firstly…, secondly…, thirdly…; firstly…, second…, third…Of these, the first two options are both acceptable, but the third should be avoided.