adverbs - "Firstly" or "first"?


Which is more correct?



How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. First, thy eyes gaze deep into my soul. Second,...



or



There are four reasons why all should hail the Hypno-Toad. Firstly, his eyes gaze deep into your soul. Secondly,...




Answer



I think either one is OK. Some (American) people object to firstly, secondly etc.


Eric Partridge ("Usage and Abusage") says:



firstly is traditionally said to be inferior to first, even when secondly, thirdly ... follow it.



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