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For is a preposition meaning "because of," "directed to," or "in favor of." As an adjective, fore means "earlier" or "forward"; as a noun, it means "the front." Four is the number 4.
For pity's sake, move to the fore of the boat before this thing capsizes and the four of us take a cold dip!
(From Write for Business, page 231, and Proofreader's Guide PDF, page 43)
Fiscal means "related to financial matters"; physical means "related to material things."
Physical health requires regular exercise; fiscal health requires careful budgeting.
(From Write for Business, page 231, and Proofreader's Guide PDF, page 43)
An abstract noun names something that cannot be seen, touched, heard, smelled, or tasted. It is usually an idea, a condition, or a feeling.
War on Poverty
democracy
Buddhism
freedom
success
happiness
(From Write for Business, page 241, and Proofreader's Guide PDF, page 53)
A concrete noun names something tangible. It can be seen, touched, heard, smelled, or tasted.
odor
desk
piano
Yosemite
Lake Erie
Alabama
(From Write for Business, page 241, and Proofreader's Guide PDF, page 53)
Both words are adverbs meaning "before another in time" or "in the first place." However, do not use firstly, which is stiff and unnatural sounding.
Incorrect: Firstly, I want to see the manager.
Correct: First, I want to see the manager.
When enumerating, use the forms first, second, third, next, last - without the "ly."
(From Write for Business, page 231, and Proofreader's Guide PDF, page 43)
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