Linking words for sequence at CEFR Level B1. In this lesson, we will look at some of the linking words you can use to show order. Here are two examples – one is good and one is bad.
Bad example: He finished cleaning the kitchen. Then he cleaned the bathroom. Then he made a cup of coffee. Then he went to the living room. Then he finished his coffee. Then he went back to the kitchen to wash the coffee cup.
Good example: First he finished cleaning the kitchen then he cleaned the bathroom. Next, he made a cup of coffee. Then he went to the living room and finished his coffee. After that, he went back to the kitchen to wash the coffee cup.
Using a range of linking words to show sequence (the order that things happened) really improves your English ability. Here’s a list of the words that you can use:
List of words to show sequence:
- At the beginning
- To begin with
- To start with
- First
- Second
- Third
- Next
- Then
- Following this
- As soon as
- While
- During
- At the same time
- After that
- Later
- Finally
- In the end
- Eventually
- Last but not least
Here are some examples using the linking words for sequence.
EXAMPLE 1: At the beginning of the day, we all walked up to the top of the hill with our camping gear. As soon as we got there, we decided to set up the campsite. First we set up the tents, and then we collected wood for a fire. After that, John and Lana went fishing, while the rest of us just relaxed at the campsite. Later that day, we cooked the fish that John and Lana had caught, before finally going to bed at around 10pm. It was a great day!
EXAMPLE 2: Today I want to talk to you about making pasta. The first step is to boil the water. As soon as the water is ready, add the pasta. While the pasta is cooking, add some tomatoes and meat together in a saucepan and put it on a low heat. After that, add a little garlic. Next, you can add some salt and pepper. Serve the pasta and sauce onto a plate. Last but not least, add some parmesan cheese on top.