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Enumeration consistency

*"First, no evidence exists that water exists on Mars. Secondly, ..." You've enumerated a list of items using markers such as "First," "Second," and so on, but they aren't consistent. Use first, second, third or firstly, secondly, thirdly; don't mix them. Use…

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Example

*"First, no evidence exists that water exists on Mars. Secondly, ..."

What's wrong?

You've enumerated a list of items using markers such as "First," "Second," and so on, but they aren't consistent. Use first, second, third or firstly, secondly, thirdly; don't mix them.

How to fix this problem

Use consistent enumerators If two of the enumerators are separated by a lengthy passage, consider reminding the reader what's being enumerated, as in the following example: Today's voting technologies are controversial for three reasons. First, ... (yadda yadda). The second reason voting technologies are controversial is...

Rhetoric & Composition

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