First/second or Firstly/secondly

[tedmc]

I have come across essays where points are presented in a numerical order.

At the start of the paragraph, is it correct to write: First, ......?
Or should it be: Firstly, .... ? (which I am used to)
There are also people who write: First off, ....
Which is correct?
I wouldn't number the points that way myself though. I would rather have them listed as 1, 2, 3...etc because it becomes awkward after the fourth or fifth time.

 

[probus]

I've actually come across a prescriptive grammar book that argues that first should be accepted as an adverb, but second and third etc. should not. According to this dross "secondly" and "thirdly" require the "-ly" suffix in order to be adverbs. The truth is that you can freely choose between the "-ly" and its omission, provided of course that you are consistent in your choice.

 

[Rover_KE]

See also the Similar Threads below.

 

[Tdol]

I've actually come across a prescriptive grammar book that argues that first should be accepted as an adverb, but second and third etc. should not.

I've seen that too and it makes no sense- going one way or the other is logical.