Sequencing words and phrases are generally used to establish what order things or events happened in time. Sequencing words can also be used in giving directions and when writing instructions in self-help or do-it-yourself manuals and recipe books.
Normally sequencing words are found at the beginning of the sentence. However that is not a strict rule, they can also come in the middle of a sentence or a paragraph; especially if they are being used to describe how to do something or get somewhere or some place.
Here is a list of some of the most frequently used sequencing words and phrases:
Before
First/First of all
Second/ Second of all...
Firstly/Secondly/Thirdly…
Last/Lastly
Next
Then
After/Afterwards/After that
Eventually
Now
Following
Finally
Once/When (pronoun) finished,
By ... (the time, a certain hour, etc)
At the same time,
At ... a certain time,
In ... (the end, a certain time frame)
During ...,
While ...
Until
An example of proper sequencing:
Getting Ready for a Backpacking Holiday
Before you start your journey, you need to research the cities you want to visit. Then you need to buy a book of maps so that you can plot your trip. After you have plotted your journey, you should book your flight, hotels and any train tickets or bus tickets you think you will need. When you have finished booking everything, you can start packing your bags.
Packing Your Backpack
First of all, make sure you have a decent backpack and that you have everything you want to take with you. Secondly check that there is nothing that you couldn't leave behind. Now roll up your clothing - rolled clothes take up less room in a bag. Next, put your socks inside your shoes - take advantage of the space inside your footwear! Finally start packing your bag. Put the heavy things like shoes at the bottom and the lighter things or more important items at the top.