Test: FIRST, FIRSTLY, AT FIRST

I ________ met my husband at Jack's party ten years ago. Would you believe that?

1. at first
2. first
3. firstly

________ you have to press the power button, silly. How else do you expect the machine to work?

1. At first
2. First
3. Firstly

Why don't you come over to my house ________? We'll have a drink and go together. That's not such a bad idea, is it? At least you won't be so nervous.

1. at first
2. first
3. firstly

Sorry, but you have a lot of problems in the department. ________, you don't know where your assistant is most of the time. Your subordinates come to work after ten and you don't even know about it. I could list at least five other issues here.

1. At first
2. At firstly
3. Firstly

I didn't know what to think about him ________. After a month, however, I realized he was quite OK. He had some problems getting along with people though. That's true.

1. at first
2. first
3. firstly

Today I'm going to speak about our strategy for the next three months. ________, I'm going to describe the business plan briefly. Secondly, I'm going to talk about the budget. Finally, Rachel will join me with some new ideas for the pension scheme. Oh, and of course there will be some time for your questions at the end.

1. At first
2. Firstly
3. Furthermore

What do you think about the idea? – Well, to be honest, I didn't like the idea ________. I've changed my mind I must say and now I quite like it. Well, just quite. I'm not too thrilled about it.

1. at first
2. first
3. firstly

The book was ________ published ten years ago, when the author was not so famous. That might be the reason why very few people bought it. Surprisingly it's a bestseller now.

1. at first
2. first
3. firstly

What did you think about him when you ________ saw him? – I don't know, I quite liked him actually right from the start. I know you didn't.

1. at first
2. first
3. firstly

There are a few issues I'd like to discuss with you. ________, there's this new colleague. Secondly, I want to talk about my pay rise and also about some days off that I really need.

1. At first
2. At firstly
3. First