How this became a sporting thread, I'll never know.
From a proofreading perspective (you have to give me credit for persistence), one third is the only way to go. In fact, the mistake I mentioned in my opening post was an unusual one. I'm more likely to find First, second, third, third, fourth.
SealPoet, Not to worry. I'm plenty cheeky.
A sporting threat ? 3 strikes and you're outta here
Win, place or show. Betting on horse racing.
If you bet on a horse "each way", that is you back it to win or come 2nd or 3rd. If the nag wins you get the full winning price as per the betting odds. On the other hand, if the horse of your choice comes in 2nd or 3rd, the bookie pays out winnings at a third of the odds. Though at the same time, the horse you have fallen deeply in love with may in reality be something of an armchair and pull up short if it sees a TV set or another jockey thumbing a ride. So it is a case of multi dexterity
Roberta, It might help if you explain the type of writing that you were editing. I suspect your writer simply made a mistake, but I have nothing by which to judge, sooooo. I'll take a stab at it.
If it's a scholarly paper:
Thesis statement: Vitamin supplements are not helpful in maintaining the body's defense system.
First of all---etc. etc.
Then--etc.etc.
Another study shows--
Finally--
I realize that my examples are over simplified, but not having quite understood what you were looking for in the FIRST place <smile>, I thought I'd give it the old college try.
I've made a few decisions.
First, I'm gonna go with the flow.
Second, I'm gonna see if I can find out what happens when competitors tie at the Olympics.
And second, I'm gonna stop worrying about two thirds.
Hello, Roberta. My name is Letty. What's yours? Soooooo.
Row row row your boat gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily.
Life is but a dream.
Good night Yankee,
From Florida
