em primeiro lugar/em segundo lugar

Firstly/Secondly

Level 5

Use 'em primeiro lugar' (firstly) and 'em segundo lugar' (secondly) to organize points in a list or argument. They are more formal than simple adverbs like 'primeiro'.

How It Works

The expressions em primeiro lugar and em segundo lugar (and so on: terceiro, quarto...) are essential tools for formal writing and structured speech in Portuguese.

1. Structure and Agreement:
The phrase consists of the preposition em, an ordinal numeral, and the masculine noun lugar (place). Because lugar is masculine singular, the numeral must always be masculine singular (primeiro, not primeira).

2. Usage and Punctuation:
These markers usually appear at the beginning of a sentence to frame the entire thought. In formal Portuguese, they are almost always followed by a comma. If they appear in the middle of a sentence, they should be surrounded by commas.

3. Register:
While you can use the simple adverb primeiro for chronological steps (e.g., 'First I woke up'), em primeiro lugar is preferred for rhetorical points or arguments (e.g., 'First, the economy is growing'). It is the standard for academic essays and professional presentations.

4. Synonyms:
You may encounter primeiramente, which is a direct synonym. However, avoid using segundamente in formal contexts; while it exists, em segundo lugar is considered more elegant and professional.

Examples (4)

  1. Em primeiro lugar, devemos analisar os custos; em segundo lugar, o tempo necessário.

    Firstly, we must analyze the costs; secondly, the necessary time.

    Word by Word: In first place, we-must to-analyze the costs; in second place, the time necessary.

    This shows the standard use of the markers to separate two distinct logical points in a formal sentence.

  2. Há dois problemas: em primeiro lugar, a falta de pessoal e, em segundo lugar, a falta de verba.

    There are two problems: in the first place, the lack of staff and, in the second place, the lack of funds.

    Word by Word: There-are two problems: in first place, the lack of staff and, in second place, the lack of funds.

    Here, the markers are used to elaborate on a specific number of items mentioned previously.

  3. Devemos, em primeiro lugar, garantir a segurança de todos.

    We must, first of all, guarantee everyone's safety.

    Word by Word: We-must, in first place, to-guarantee the safety of all.

    This example demonstrates how the phrase can be intercalated (placed in the middle) of a sentence, set off by commas.

  4. Em primeiro lugar, gostaria de agradecer o convite.

    First of all, I would like to thank you for the invitation.

    Word by Word: In first place, I-would-like of to-thank the invitation.

    A very common way to begin a formal speech or presentation.

Common Mistakes

  • Mixing formal and informal markers in the same list.

    Em primeiro lugar, o preço é alto. Aí, em segundo lugar, a qualidade é ruim.
    Em primeiro lugar, o preço é alto. Em segundo lugar, a qualidade é ruim.

    Using 'aí' (then/so) is too colloquial to be paired with the formal 'em primeiro lugar'. Consistency in register is important.

  • Omitting the comma after the expression.

    Em primeiro lugar não temos tempo.
    Em primeiro lugar, não temos tempo.

    In written Portuguese, introductory discourse markers must be separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma.

  • Using 'primeiramente' followed by 'em segundo lugar'.

    Primeiramente, o clima; em segundo lugar, a comida.
    Em primeiro lugar, o clima; em segundo lugar, a comida.

    While not strictly a grammar error, it is stylistically better to use the same pattern (Em X lugar) for all items in a list.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

em primeiro lugar/em segundo lugarLevel 5Firstly/Secondly

Learn This First

To understand 'em primeiro lugar' and 'em segundo lugar', learners need to be familiar with the preposition 'em' and the concept of ordinal numbers (first, second) used as adjectives to order information.

Words in This Pattern

em primeiro lugar