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Sequence Words List: More than 50 Examples in English

Sequence words or linking words help us understand what’s happening in a story of a piece of text. They tell us what’s happening in the beginning, middle, or end of the story. They can also tell us that something is interrupting something else. They are also known as transition or chronological words.

Keep on reading to see more than 50 sequence words, along with example sentences.

sequence words list

Sequence examples English

What is a sequence word?

What are sequence words? Find out right here!

A sequence word is one that helps us understand the order of events in a story. They can tell us what happened first, next, and in the end.  They are also known as linking words or connectors and are used in both speaking and writing and you see and hear them frequently when listening or reading. They are also known as transition, sequencing, or chronological words.

Sequence Words List: More than 50 with Examples

Check out these words that are used to signal the beginning, middle, and end of something.

Beginning Sequence Words

Here are some of the words which you might use to begin something.

  • in the beginning
  • to begin with
  • to begin
  • first of all
  • once upon a time
  • one day
  • first
  • firstly
  • to begin with
  • to start
  • to start with
  • once
  • initially
  • today
  • yesterday

Examples of sentences for beginning words: 

  • To begin the class, introduce ourselves.
  • First of all, I didn’t actually say that.
  • To begin with, I’d like you to close your eyes.
  • Once upon a time, there was a queen who . . .
  • One day, I was riding my bike to school when . . .
  • To start, you’ll have to solve the code.
sequence word list

Sequence with list with examples

Middle Sequence Words

  • soon
  • next
  • meanwhile
  • then
  • after that
  • second
  • third
  • fourth
  • secondly
  • thirdly
  • fourthly
  • later
  • after a while
  • and
  • furthermore
  • further
  • moreover
  • another
  • in addition
  • in addition to
  • also
  • subsequently
  • after
  • before
  • later that day
  • the next day
  • the following day

Examples of sentences with middle words: 

  • Moreover, you’ll need to also clean your room before going out tonight.
  • Also, I’d like to order a cake for this weekend.
  • Secondly, he’s willing to work for a lower salary than that other guy.
  • Meanwhile, Abby had run away.
  • Another idea I have is . . .
  • In addition to being handsome, he’s smart as well!
sequencing words list

Sequence words list in English

Ending Sequence Words

  • finally
  • at last
  • in conclusion
  • to summarize
  • at the end
  • in the end
  • afterwards
  • lastly
  • finally
  • after all
  • by the end
  • by this point
  • eventually
  • after all of that
  • to finish off
  • to conclude

Examples of sentences with ending words:

  • In conclusion, I’d like to open the floor to any questions you might have.
  • By this point in time, I was already exhausted.
  • Finally, I finished up and was able to go home.
  • After all of that, I didn’t end up getting the job.
  • To summarize, I’d like you all to submit your timesheets by Friday at 5 pm!
  • Eventually, I’ll have to move to a place without so many stairs.

Sequence Words for Interrupting

  • suddenly
  • unexpectedly
  • all of  a sudden
  • but then

Examples of sentences with interrupting words:

  • Suddenly, the rain started.
  • All of a sudden, the wind started to blow.
  • But then, my mom changed her mind and said that I couldn’t go.

More Ideas for Learning English

1001 English Expressions and Phrases: Common Sentences and Dialogues Used by Native English Speakers...
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If you want to improve your English ability in a big way, consider picking up this book: 1001 English Expressions and Phrases. It has hundreds of super practical idioms, phrases and expressions for a variety of situations.

Get a copy of the book today and get ready for some English awesome!

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Sequence Words List: Join the Conversation

Which sequence, transition, or chronological words do you most often use? Leave a comment and let us know. We’d love to hear from you!

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 15 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 60 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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