First, we went down to the river...first vs firstly
First, we went down to the river...

first vs firstly.
What's the difference?

Thanks

Question

First, we went down to the river...first vs firstly
First, we went down to the river...

first vs firstly.
What's the difference?

Thanks

Answer

First means coming before others while firstly is used to introduce the first point or reason

Answer

In my view, in modern US English, you can just use "first" "second" etc. without the "ly" in the case of listing points of reason  You need to use it without the "ly" when listing actions.

"Firstly" etc. are more formal.

For me, I just dispense with "firstly" etc. and always use "first"