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deuxièmement

A2 adverb #1,500 most common 11 min read

deuxièmement

Top 1,500

At the A1 level, learners are primarily focused on basic vocabulary, such as numbers from one to ten (un, deux, trois). While 'deuxièmement' is technically an A2 word because it involves structuring longer sentences, A1 learners can begin to understand its roots. You already know the word 'deux' which means 'two'. When French people want to say 'second', they say 'deuxième'. To say 'secondly', they add '-ment' to the end, making 'deuxièmement'. At this stage, you don't need to use this long word in your own speaking. It is much more important to master simple connectors like 'et' (and) or 'aussi' (also). However, if you are reading a simple text or listening to a teacher give instructions, and you hear 'premièrement' followed by 'deuxièmement', you will immediately know that the teacher is giving you a list of two things to do. It is a signpost word. Just remember: deux = 2, deuxième = 2nd, deuxièmement = secondly. Recognizing this pattern will help you immensely as you progress to higher levels and start building more complex sentences.

At the A2 level, you are starting to express your opinions and give simple reasons for your choices. This is where 'deuxièmement' becomes a very useful tool in your vocabulary toolkit. When you want to explain why you like something, or why you can't do something, you often have more than one reason. Instead of just linking your sentences with 'et' (and) all the time, you can use 'premièrement' (firstly) for your first reason, and 'deuxièmement' (secondly) for your second reason. For example: 'Je ne peux pas venir. Premièrement, je suis malade. Deuxièmement, je dois travailler.' (I cannot come. Firstly, I am sick. Secondly, I have to work). Using this word makes your French sound much more organized and natural. It shows that you are thinking about how your sentences connect to each other. Remember to always use it with a first point; it doesn't make sense to say 'secondly' if you haven't said 'firstly' or 'first of all' (d'abord). Practice writing short paragraphs where you give two reasons for an opinion, using these structural markers to guide your reader.

As a B1 learner, your goal is to achieve greater fluency and coherence in your spoken and written French. You are now writing longer texts, such as letters, short essays, or detailed emails. In these contexts, 'deuxièmement' is absolutely essential for structuring your arguments. At this level, you should be comfortable using a variety of logical connectors. You can start an argument with 'D'abord' (First of all) or 'Premièrement', follow it with 'Deuxièmement', and conclude with 'Finalement' (Finally) or 'En conclusion'. This logical progression is highly valued in French communication. Furthermore, you should pay attention to punctuation. When 'deuxièmement' starts a sentence, it must be followed by a comma: 'Deuxièmement, il faut considérer le prix.' You can also start experimenting with placing it inside the sentence for stylistic variation: 'Il faut, deuxièmement, considérer le prix.' Be careful not to confuse it with the adjective 'deuxième'. Remember that 'deuxièmement' is an adverb; it modifies the whole idea, not a specific noun. Using these organizational adverbs correctly will significantly improve your scores in B1 writing and speaking exams.

At the B2 level, you are expected to construct clear, detailed, and well-structured arguments on a wide range of subjects. 'Deuxièmement' is a staple of B2 discourse, particularly in the 'essai argumentatif' (argumentative essay) or during a formal debate (exposé). However, at this level, you must also demonstrate lexical variety. While 'deuxièmement' is perfectly correct, overusing it can make your writing seem mechanical. You should alternate it with synonyms like 'en second lieu' (in the second place), 'd'autre part' (on the other hand), or 'de plus' (furthermore), depending on the exact logical relationship you want to establish. If you are strictly enumerating points, 'deuxièmement' is best. If you are adding a complementary but distinct idea, 'd'autre part' might be better. Additionally, you should be able to understand and use these markers in complex sentence structures, perhaps combining them with subjunctive clauses or conditional statements. The mastery of discourse markers at the B2 level is what separates a competent speaker from an independent, persuasive communicator who can navigate the nuances of French rhetoric.

At the C1 level, your use of 'deuxièmement' and other discourse markers should be intuitive, precise, and stylistically refined. You are engaging with complex academic, professional, or literary texts where structural signposts are critical for navigating dense information. At this stage, you understand that 'deuxièmement' is not just a translation of 'secondly', but a formal rhetorical device that carries a specific weight. In C1 writing, you might use it to structure a multi-layered critique or a comprehensive policy analysis. You are also acutely aware of register. You know that while 'deuxièmement' is appropriate for a formal report, it might sound overly pedantic in a casual conversation, where 'ensuite' or 'et puis' would be more natural. Furthermore, you can seamlessly integrate these adverbs into complex syntax without disrupting the rhythm of the sentence. You might employ parallel structures for rhetorical effect: 'Premièrement, par la force de la loi ; deuxièmement, par le poids de la morale.' Your focus is on cohesion, coherence, and elegance, using these tools to guide the reader effortlessly through your sophisticated argumentation.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native mastery of French discourse organization. You use 'deuxièmement' with absolute precision, but more importantly, you know when *not* to use it. You understand that explicit numbering can sometimes make a text feel heavy or overly didactic. Therefore, you employ a vast array of transitional devices—subtle syntactic inversions, thematic progressions, and varied logical connectors—to achieve cohesion. When you do choose to use 'deuxièmement', it is a deliberate stylistic choice, perhaps to emphasize the strict logic of a crucial argument or to create a specific rhythmic cadence in a speech. You are familiar with its use in classical rhetoric and highly formal contexts, such as legal treatises or philosophical essays. You might also play with these markers for ironic or emphatic effect in spoken discourse. Your understanding goes beyond the semantic meaning to encompass the sociolinguistic and pragmatic implications of the word, allowing you to manipulate the structure of your discourse to achieve maximum persuasive impact and stylistic brilliance, characteristic of the highest level of language proficiency.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

deuxièmement in 30 Seconds

Means 'secondly' in English.
Used to list a second point.
Always paired with a first point.
Formal and structured word.

The French adverb 'deuxièmement' is a highly structured discourse marker that translates directly to 'secondly' or 'in the second place' in English. To fully grasp what it means, we must delve deeply into its morphological roots, its syntactic function, and its pragmatic role in communication. Morphologically, the word is constructed from the ordinal number 'deuxième' (second) and the adverbial suffix '-ment' (equivalent to the English '-ly'). This derivation is standard in French for creating adverbs of manner or sequence from adjectives. The addition of '-ment' transforms the static position of 'second' into an active transitional tool used to navigate through a series of points, arguments, or instructions.

Morphology: The root 'deux' (two) becomes 'deuxième' (second), which then takes the feminine form (though 'deuxième' is epicene, ending in 'e') before adding '-ment' to form 'deuxièmement'.

When a speaker or writer uses this word, they are explicitly signaling to their audience that they are introducing the second item in a coordinated list of ideas. It is inherently relational; it implies the pre-existence of a 'premièrement' (firstly) or at least an initial point that has already been established.

Premièrement, c'est trop cher, et deuxièmement, je n'ai pas le temps.

This relational aspect is crucial for text cohesion. In both spoken and written French, organizing your thoughts with such explicit markers demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence and logical clarity. Furthermore, the semantic weight of the word carries a tone of formality and organization. While informal speech might simply use 'et puis' (and then) or 'ensuite' (next), the use of ordinal adverbs elevates the discourse.

Pragmatics: It functions as a signpost, reducing the cognitive load on the listener by clearly demarcating where one idea ends and another begins.

In academic writing, legal documents, and formal debates, these markers are not just stylistic choices but structural necessities.

Le plan d'action vise, premièrement, à réduire les coûts, et deuxièmement, à augmenter la productivité.

The word also implies a hierarchy or a chronological sequence, depending on the context. Sometimes, the second point is secondary in importance; other times, it is simply the next step in a chronological process. Understanding 'deuxièmement' means understanding the architecture of French argumentation. It is the linguistic equivalent of a bullet point.

Discourse Analysis: Analyzed through discourse theory, it acts as a macro-structural connector that binds propositions across sentence boundaries.

Il faut deuxièmement considérer l'impact environnemental.

Je refuse pour deux raisons : d'abord, c'est illégal, et deuxièmement, c'est immoral.

Nous allons procéder ainsi : premièrement l'introduction, deuxièmement le développement.

Ultimately, mastering this word allows learners to move beyond simple, disjointed sentences and construct cohesive, compelling, and logically sound narratives or arguments in French, reflecting a deeper internalization of the language's rhetorical mechanics.

Using 'deuxièmement' correctly involves understanding its syntactic placement, its punctuation, and its relationship with other discourse markers within a text or speech. Syntactically, as an adverb of sequence, it enjoys a degree of mobility within the sentence, though its most common and impactful position is at the absolute beginning of a clause or sentence. When placed at the beginning, it serves as a strong, unambiguous signpost for the reader or listener.

Initial Position: Placing the adverb at the start of the sentence maximizes its structural function, immediately alerting the audience to a new point.

Deuxièmement, nous devons examiner les conséquences à long terme.

Notice the punctuation: when used at the beginning of a sentence, it is almost universally followed by a comma. This comma represents a slight prosodic pause in speech, which gives the listener a fraction of a second to process the transition before the new information is presented. However, it can also be placed within the sentence, typically after the conjugated verb or between the auxiliary verb and the past participle in compound tenses, though this is slightly less common for ordinal adverbs than for adverbs of frequency or manner.

Medial Position: When placed inside the clause, it integrates more tightly with the specific action rather than framing the entire proposition.

Il faut deuxièmement s'assurer que le budget est respecté.

Another critical aspect of using this word is its mandatory pairing with a preceding point. You cannot logically have a 'secondly' without a 'firstly'. Therefore, 'deuxièmement' is almost always part of a correlative pair or a larger series. The most standard pairing is 'premièrement... deuxièmement'.

Premièrement, je suis fatigué. Deuxièmement, il est tard.

However, French allows for stylistic variation. You might see 'd'abord' (first of all) or 'en premier lieu' (in the first place) used for the first point, followed by 'deuxièmement' for the second.

Parallelism: Maintaining parallel structure (premièrement -> deuxièmement -> troisièmement) is the hallmark of excellent academic writing.

D'une part, c'est risqué, et deuxièmement, c'est inutile.

Je veux souligner, deuxièmement, l'importance de ce projet.

In terms of register, while it is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation when someone is emphatically listing reasons, it truly shines in formal contexts. In a casual chat, a native speaker might just say 'et puis' (and then) or 'aussi' (also). Choosing 'deuxièmement' in speech adds a layer of deliberate organization, often used when arguing a point, giving a formal presentation, or trying to be exceptionally clear. Mastering its use means not just knowing the translation, but understanding the rhythm and structure it imposes on your French sentences.

The context in which you encounter 'deuxièmement' provides significant insight into its sociolinguistic function. Because it is a formal structuring tool, its natural habitat is within structured discourse. You will frequently hear it in academic environments, such as university lectures, seminars, and thesis defenses. Professors use it to outline their lectures, ensuring students can easily follow the progression of complex theories.

Academic Contexts: Lectures and essays heavily rely on ordinal adverbs to maintain a clear, logical flow of argumentation and evidence presentation.

Le professeur a dit : premièrement, lisez le texte, deuxièmement, répondez aux questions.

Beyond academia, the political arena is a prime location for this word. Politicians, debaters, and public speakers utilize it to present multi-point plans, criticize opponents' policies systematically, or outline their campaign promises. It gives the impression of a well-thought-out, organized mind.

Political Discourse: Used to structure rhetoric, making arguments more persuasive and easier for the public to digest and remember.

Notre politique vise, deuxièmement, à réduire le chômage.

In the corporate world, it appears frequently in business meetings, strategic presentations, and professional emails. When a manager is outlining the phases of a new project or listing the reasons for a business decision, 'deuxièmement' helps maintain a professional and orderly tone.

Pour cette réunion, nous aborderons d'abord le budget, et deuxièmement, le recrutement.

However, it is not entirely absent from everyday life. You will hear it in domestic arguments or serious discussions between friends when someone is passionately defending their point of view and wants to ensure every reason is heard and counted.

Everyday Arguments: Employed to forcefully list grievances or reasons, adding weight to a personal opinion.

Je n'irai pas. D'abord il pleut, et deuxièmement, je suis fatigué.

Écoute-moi bien : premièrement tu as tort, deuxièmement tu dois t'excuser.

In journalism, both print and broadcast, reporters use it to summarize complex situations, breaking down events into manageable, sequential facts for the audience. Thus, while it is a formal word, its utility makes it ubiquitous across various spheres of French life, wherever clarity and structure are paramount.

Despite its straightforward translation, learners frequently make several common mistakes when using 'deuxièmement', ranging from spelling errors to pragmatic misapplications. The most prevalent error is undoubtedly orthographic. Because the root word 'deuxième' contains an 'e' with a grave accent (è) in the middle, learners often forget the accent or misplace it when adding the '-ment' suffix. Writing 'deuxiemement' or 'deuxiémement' is a classic mistake.

Spelling Errors: The grave accent on the 'e' (è) is strictly required. Omitting it is a glaring orthographic error in formal writing.

Il faut écrire deuxièmement avec un accent grave.

Another major pitfall is confusing the adverb 'deuxièmement' (secondly) with the adjective or pronoun 'deuxième' (second). Learners might say 'Le deuxièmement problème est...' instead of the correct 'Le deuxième problème est...'. 'Deuxièmement' can never modify a noun directly; it modifies the entire clause or sentence.

Part of Speech Confusion: Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or clauses. Adjectives modify nouns. Never use the '-ment' form to describe a noun.

C'est la deuxième fois, et deuxièmement, c'est inacceptable.

Pragmatically, learners sometimes use 'deuxièmement' in isolation, without having established a first point. Starting a thought with 'deuxièmement' without a preceding 'premièrement', 'd'abord', or a clear initial argument leaves the listener disoriented. It breaks the logical chain that the word is designed to build.

Ne dites pas deuxièmement si vous n'avez rien dit avant.

Furthermore, there is the issue of register mismatch. Using highly formal ordinal adverbs in very casual text messages or quick, informal chats can sound unnatural or overly pedantic. In such contexts, simpler connectors like 'et puis' or 'ensuite' are more appropriate.

Register Mismatch: Overusing formal discourse markers in casual settings can make your French sound stiff and unnatural.

Dans une lettre formelle, utilisez deuxièmement sans hésiter.

N'oubliez pas la virgule après deuxièmement en début de phrase.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with pronunciation, particularly the nasal vowel 'en' in the '-ment' suffix. It should be a clear, nasalized sound, not a hard 'm' or 'n' consonant sound as in English. Perfecting these aspects ensures the word is used effectively and correctly.

The French language is rich in discourse markers, offering numerous alternatives to 'deuxièmement' depending on the exact nuance, register, and stylistic preference of the speaker or writer. Understanding these synonyms and related terms is crucial for developing a varied and sophisticated vocabulary. The most direct formal equivalent is the phrase 'en second lieu' (in the second place). This phrase operates at the exact same level of formality as 'deuxièmement' and is often used interchangeably in academic and professional writing to avoid repetition.

En second lieu: A highly formal, elegant alternative. It pairs perfectly with 'en premier lieu' and is favored in written French.

On peut dire en second lieu au lieu de deuxièmement.

Another common alternative, slightly less rigid in its ordinal nature, is 'ensuite' (then, next). While 'deuxièmement' strictly implies a numbered list of arguments, 'ensuite' is more versatile, often used to denote chronological sequence or a simple continuation of thought. It is much more common in everyday spoken French.

Ensuite / Puis: These adverbs indicate sequence but lack the strict numerical categorization of ordinal adverbs. They are perfect for narratives.

Il a d'abord parlé, puis, deuxièmement, il a montré des images.

For adding information that is parallel but perhaps not strictly sequential, terms like 'd'autre part' (on the other hand / moreover) or 'de plus' (furthermore) are excellent choices. These markers add weight to an argument without forcing the strict 1-2-3 structure. They are excellent for essays where points are additive rather than strictly sequential.

D'une part c'est cher, et deuxièmement, c'est fragile.

In highly formal or legal contexts, you might even encounter the Latin borrowing 'secundo'. This is the exact equivalent of 'deuxièmement' but carries an even heavier, more pedantic or strictly legalistic tone. It pairs with 'primo' and 'tertio'.

Secundo: A Latinism used in strict enumerations, often in legal or highly structured administrative texts.

Primo on observe, deuxièmement on agit.

Par la suite est moins formel que deuxièmement.

Choosing between these similar words requires an understanding of the text's goal: is it a rigid logical proof (deuxièmement, en second lieu), a flowing narrative (ensuite, puis), or an accumulation of facts (de plus, d'autre part)? Mastering these nuances significantly elevates a learner's French proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Informal

Slang

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

Un, deux, trois.

One, two, three.

Basic numbers, the root of the word.

C'est le deuxième jour.

It is the second day.

Using the adjective form 'deuxième'.

Je suis le deuxième.

I am the second.

Pronoun usage of the root word.

Voici mon deuxième chien.

Here is my second dog.

Adjective modifying a noun.

La deuxième voiture est rouge.

The second car is red.

Adjective agreement.

Il habite au deuxième étage.

He lives on the second floor.

Ordinal number for floors.

Prenez la deuxième rue.

Take the second street.

Giving simple directions.

C'est ma deuxième leçon.

It's my second lesson.

Adjective with feminine noun.

Premièrement, je mange. Deuxièmement, je dors.

Firstly, I eat. Secondly, I sleep.

Basic sequence of actions.

Deuxièmement, c'est trop cher.

Secondly, it's too expensive.

Introducing a second reason.

D'abord la soupe, deuxièmement le dessert.

First the soup, secondly the dessert.

Mixing 'd'abord' and 'deuxièmement'.

Je refuse. Deuxièmement, je n'ai pas le temps.

I refuse. Secondly, I don't have the time.

Adding a point to a refusal.

Pourquoi ? Premièrement, il pleut. Deuxièmement, il fait froid.

Why? Firstly, it's raining. Secondly, it's cold.

Answering a 'why' question with two points.

Il faut étudier, et deuxièmement, se reposer.

You must study, and secondly, rest.

Using 'et' before the adverb.

Voici mes raisons : premièrement..., deuxièmement...

Here are my reasons: firstly..., secondly...

Setting up a formal list.

Deuxièmement, je veux te dire merci.

Secondly, I want to say thank you.

Starting a sentence with the adverb.

Deuxièmement, nous devons considérer l'impact sur l'environnement.

Secondly, we must consider the impact on the environment.

Using the adverb in a formal argument.

Le projet a échoué. Premièrement par manque de temps, deuxièmement par manque d'argent.

The project failed. Firstly due to lack of time, secondly due to lack of money.

Parallel structure with 'par'.

Il a souligné, deuxièmement, l'importance de la communication.

He emphasized, secondly, the importance of communication.

Placing the adverb mid-sentence between commas.

Je ne suis pas d'accord. D'une part c'est faux, et deuxièmement c'est dangereux.

I disagree. On the one hand it's false, and secondly it's dangerous.

Mixing 'd'une part' with 'deuxièmement'.

Pour réussir, il faut premièrement de la patience et deuxièmement du courage.

To succeed, one needs firstly patience and secondly courage.

Connecting two abstract nouns.

Deuxièmement, la loi interdit cette pratique.

Secondly, the law forbids this practice.

Introducing a legal or factual point.

J'ai deux remarques. Premièrement, bravo. Deuxièmement, continuez.

I have two remarks. Firstly, well done. Secondly, keep going.

Structuring feedback.

Ensuite, ou plutôt deuxièmement, nous verrons les solutions.

Next, or rather secondly, we will see the solutions.

Self-correcting to a more formal register.

L'auteur démontre, premièrement, la faille du système, et deuxièmement, propose une alternative.

The author demonstrates, firstly, the system's flaw, and secondly, proposes an alternative.

Structuring a literary or text analysis.

Deuxièmement, il convient de s'interroger sur la pertinence de ces mesures.

Secondly, it is appropriate to question the relevance of these measures.

Using formal impersonal structures ('il convient de').

Cet argument est irrecevable pour deux raisons : premièrement son absurdité, deuxièmement son anachronisme.

This argument is inadmissible for two reasons: firstly its absurdity, secondly its anachronism.

Using abstract nouns in parallel.

Nous aborderons la théorie, puis, deuxièmement, la mise en pratique.

We will tackle the theory, then, secondly, the practical application.

Clarifying a sequence in a presentation.

Deuxièmement, bien que la situation soit complexe, des solutions existent.

Secondly, although the situation is complex, solutions exist.

Combining the adverb with a concessive clause (bien que + subjunctive).

Il s'agit, premièrement, d'un devoir moral et, deuxièmement, d'une obligation légale.

It is, firstly, a moral duty and, secondly, a legal obligation.

Parallelism with 'il s'agit de'.

Je voudrais ajouter, deuxièmement, que ce budget a été approuvé par le conseil.

I would like to add, secondly, that this budget was approved by the board.

Inserting the adverb into a complex sentence.

La crise s'explique premièrement par l'inflation, deuxièmement par la pénurie de matières premières.

The crisis is explained firstly by inflation, secondly by the shortage of raw materials.

Explaining causality systematically.

L'analyse se déploiera en deux temps : premièrement l'étude ontologique, deuxièmement l'approche phénoménologique.

The analysis will unfold in two stages: firstly the ontological study, secondly the phenomenological approach.

Structuring highly academic discourse.

Deuxièmement, la corrélation établie par l'étude ne saurait en aucun cas impliquer une causalité.

Secondly, the correlation established by the study can in no way imply causality.

Using formal negation ('ne saurait') with the adverb.

Il convient de réfuter cette thèse, premièrement en raison de ses prémisses fallacieuses, et deuxièmement du fait de ses conclusions hâtives.

It is necessary to refute this thesis, firstly because of its fallacious premises, and secondly due to its hasty conclusions.

Complex prepositional phrases in parallel.

La politique gouvernementale pèche, deuxièmement, par un manque flagrant de vision à long terme.

Government policy sins, secondly, through a glaring lack of long-term vision.

Using sophisticated vocabulary ('pêcher par').

Deuxièmement, quand bien même ces chiffres seraient exacts, ils ne justifieraient pas une telle réforme.

Secondly, even if these figures were accurate, they would not justify such a reform.

Combining with 'quand bien même' + conditional.

Le traité stipule, premièrement, le cessez-le-feu, et deuxièmement, le retrait inconditionnel des troupes.

The treaty stipulates, firstly, the ceasefire, and secondly, the unconditional withdrawal of troops.

Legal and diplomatic register.

Ce phénomène s'enracine premièrement dans l'histoire coloniale, et deuxièmement dans les dynamiques néolibérales contemporaines.

This phenomenon is rooted firstly in colonial history, and secondly in contemporary neoliberal dynamics.

Sociological analysis structure.

Je m'inscris en faux contre cette affirmation, deuxièmement parce qu'elle contredit nos données empiriques.

I strongly object to this assertion, secondly because it contradicts our empirical data.

Using idiomatic formal expressions ('s'inscrire en faux').

L'orateur a su, premièrement, captiver son auditoire par son exorde, et deuxièmement, l'emporter par la rigueur de sa péroraison.

The speaker knew how, firstly, to captivate his audience with his exordium, and secondly, to win them over with the rigor of his peroration.

Using classical rhetorical terms.

Deuxièmement, il est patent que cette tergiversation n'a d'autre but que d'éluder la question centrale.

Secondly, it is obvious that this procrastination has no other goal than to evade the central question.

High-level vocabulary ('patent', 'tergiversation', 'éluder').

La critique littéraire s'articule ici autour de deux axes : premièrement la stylistique, deuxièmement la sémiotique du texte.

Literary criticism here is structured around two axes: firstly stylistics, secondly the semiotics of the text.

Structuring a doctoral-level analysis.

Il importe de souligner, deuxièmement, l'inanité d'une telle démarche dans le contexte macroéconomique actuel.

It is important to underline, secondly, the pointlessness of such an approach in the current macroeconomic context.

Using precise, rare vocabulary ('inanité').

Si, premièrement, la forme séduit, c'est, deuxièmement, le fond qui emporte l'adhésion définitive.

If, firstly, the form seduces, it is, secondly, the substance that wins definitive support.

Elegant syntactic balance.

Deuxièmement, nonobstant les injonctions paradoxales du marché, l'entreprise a su maintenir son cap éthique.

Secondly, notwithstanding the paradoxical injunctions of the market, the company managed to maintain its ethical course.

Using formal prepositions ('nonobstant').

L'apories de ce système résident premièrement dans son dogmatisme, deuxièmement dans son hermétisme absolu.

The aporias of this system lie firstly in its dogmatism, secondly in its absolute hermeticism.

Philosophical discourse.

Je conclurai en rappelant, deuxièmement, que l'histoire ne repasse pas les plats, pour reprendre l'expression consacrée.

I will conclude by reminding you, secondly, that history does not serve the same dishes twice, to use the established expression.

Integrating idioms into highly formal speech.

Common Collocations

premièrement et deuxièmement

et deuxièmement

mais deuxièmement

dire deuxièmement

ajouter deuxièmement

considérer deuxièmement

noter deuxièmement

souligner deuxièmement

rappeler deuxièmement

voir deuxièmement

Common Phrases

Et deuxièmement...

Premièrement..., deuxièmement...

Pour deux raisons : premièrement..., deuxièmement...

Il faut deuxièmement...

Je dirais deuxièmement que...

Passons deuxièmement à...

Venons-en deuxièmement à...

Examinons deuxièmement...

Il convient deuxièmement de...

Je souligne deuxièmement...

Often Confused With

deuxièmement vs deuxième

deuxièmement vs deux

deuxièmement vs secondement

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

deuxièmement vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

note

While 'deuxièmement' is standard, 'en second lieu' is often preferred in very high-level academic writing to avoid the heavy '-ment' sound.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting the grave accent (deuxiemement).
Using it without a first point.
Confusing it with the adjective 'deuxième'.
Forgetting the comma after it at the beginning of a sentence.
Pronouncing the final 't'.

Tips

Don't forget the accent

Always write 'deuxièmement' with a grave accent on the middle 'e' (è). Writing 'deuxiemement' is incorrect.

Adverb vs Adjective

Remember that 'deuxièmement' is an adverb (secondly), while 'deuxième' is an adjective (second). Don't say 'le deuxièmement problème'.

Always pair it up

Never start a speech with 'deuxièmement'. Always ensure you have established a 'premièrement' or 'd'abord' first.

Use a comma

When starting a sentence with 'Deuxièmement', always follow it with a comma to indicate the natural pause in speech.

Vary your vocabulary

In long essays, mix 'deuxièmement' with 'en second lieu' to avoid sounding repetitive and to show a richer vocabulary.

Silent T

The 't' at the end of 'deuxièmement' is always silent. Do not pronounce it.

Listen for structure

When listening to French news or lectures, use words like 'deuxièmement' as signposts to help you outline the speaker's main points.

Parallel structure

If you use 'premièrement', try to use 'deuxièmement' rather than switching to 'ensuite' to maintain a clean, parallel structure in formal writing.

Emphasize the word

In spoken French, you can slightly emphasize the word 'deuxièmement' to ensure your listener knows you are moving to a new point.

The '-ment' rule

Remember that most French adverbs are formed by adding '-ment' to the feminine form of the adjective. Deuxième + ment = deuxièmement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'deux' (two), add 'ième' (th), add 'ment' (ly). Two-th-ly = Secondly.

Word Origin

French

Cultural Context

In French debates, clearly numbering your points is seen as a sign of intellectual rigor.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Quelles sont tes deux raisons principales ?"

"Pourquoi refuses-tu cette offre ?"

"Comment vas-tu organiser ton discours ?"

"Quels sont les avantages de ce projet ?"

"Pourquoi aimes-tu cette ville ?"

Journal Prompts

List two reasons why you are learning French using premièrement and deuxièmement.

Describe your plans for tomorrow using sequence adverbs.

Write a short argument defending your favorite book with two main points.

Explain two things you would change about your city.

List two goals for the next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Logically, no. 'Deuxièmement' means 'secondly', which implies there was a 'firstly'. If you haven't made a first point, using 'secondly' will confuse your listener. You can use 'd'abord' (first of all) instead of 'premièrement', but there must be an initial point.

'Secondement' is extremely rare and generally considered archaic or incorrect in modern French. You should always use 'deuxièmement'. The adjective 'second' exists, but its adverbial form is not used.

The grave accent goes on the 'e' in the middle of the word: deuxièmement. It is the same accent found in the adjective 'deuxième'. Forgetting it is a common spelling mistake.

Yes, but it sounds a bit formal. In a casual chat with friends, you might just say 'et puis' (and then) or 'aussi' (also). However, if you are having a serious argument, using 'deuxièmement' shows you are organizing your thoughts forcefully.

No. Like all adverbs in French, 'deuxièmement' is invariable. It never changes its spelling, regardless of the gender or number of the nouns in the sentence.

The '-ment' ending is pronounced with a nasal vowel, similar to the 'en' in 'enfant'. The 't' at the end is silent. It sounds like 'mã'.

It is highly unusual and generally incorrect to place 'deuxièmement' at the very end of a sentence. It is a structural marker designed to introduce an idea, so it belongs at the beginning or middle of the clause.

If you have a third point, you use 'troisièmement' (thirdly). You can continue this pattern (quatrièmement, etc.), but lists longer than three usually use bullet points or different phrasing to avoid sounding repetitive.

'En second lieu' means exactly the same thing but is considered slightly more elegant in formal writing. It avoids the repetition of the heavy '-ment' suffix if you are using many adverbs.

If it is the first word of the sentence, yes, you almost always need a comma. Example: 'Deuxièmement, je refuse.' If it is in the middle of the sentence, it is often framed by two commas: 'Il faut, deuxièmement, agir vite.'