Is the expression “first up” too informal for an essay?
Yes, and it’s a bit awkward. Just say ‘First’ or ‘First and foremost.’ Other transition words: Consequently As a result clearly, then furthermore additionally and in addition moreover because besides that in the same way following this further also pursuing this further however on the other hand strangely paradoxically conversely yet nevertheless on the contrary conversely admittedly assuredly certainly granted no doubt nobody denies obviously of course to be sure true undoubtedly unquestionably generally speaking in general at this level in this situation to illustrate this The best example of this This is best exemplified finally lastly therefore this hence in final analysis in conclusion in final consideration indeed in other words point in fact specifically after afterwards as soon as at first at last before before long first… second… third in the first place in the meantime later meanwhile next soon then *and *but *Although considered informal, it is permissible to begin sente
