Representing when, where, how and why
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Representing when | page 11 of 11 |
Using adverbs
Adverbs 
such
as first/firstly, next, then, lastly, and finally
are commonly used to mention items which follow each other, for example in instructions:
First, write on a piece of paper how you view yourself. Then, guess the following statistics: chest; for women, just under the bus; waist; hips; just above the knee; just below the knee. When you have guessed all these, get a tape measure and find the real sizes. How many were correct? (Microconcord Corpus B)
Note that in this example, not only are adverbs, ie first and then, used
to indicate sequence but an adverbial clause
(When you have guessed all these) is
used for the same function as well.
Note too that the adverbs firstly and first are sometimes confused with at first. Firstly and first are both used to mention the first item in a list:
There are three things the Government and bidders have to consider. Firstly, we should check out what kind of legal protection was given to the operating franchise. ... (SCMP 29/7/92)
At first is used to contrast an earlier action with a later one:
Although the Government at first attempted to deport the pair, it later changed its attitude when new evidence emerged. (SCMP 17/9/92)
In a similar way, lastly and last are sometimes confused with at last. Lastly and last are used to mention the final point or question in a list:
And lastly, Geoffrey, is it fair to lump the English, the Scots, the Irish and the Welsh together in one compartment and call them British?
(Bank of English)
At last is used when there has been a long wait for someone or something:
The potential of radio is at last gaining recognition. (Microconcord Corpus A)
Lastly and finally are similar in meaning but there are differences between
them. To see a relevant teacher's question about lastly and finally, click
on this icon 
.
Lastly typically occurs at the beginning of sentences. It is used mainly in spoken English and occurs relatively infrequently:
Lastly, is this year going to be a good year for honey? (Bank of English)
In contrast, finally typically occurs in the middle of sentences and is used more frequently than lastly.
He finally agreed to sell Dunphy to Charlton. (Microconcord Corpus B)
Students should be discouraged from using lastly, as they tend to overuse it. The use of finally should be encouraged instead.
Introduction
Using adverbs
