Sequence Adverbs

By Nicole Salavarría
First
First of all
After
After that
Then
Next
Before
At
Finally
Once
Adverbials of time and sequence help us understand the time
relationship between sentences and ideas.

I fist go to pick up my brother from school then we go home.

You have to walk three more blocks then turn left.

I have breakfast at seven. After breakfast I go to the school

In the morning my brother and I have breakfast, take a shower,

and go to school. In the afternoon we eat lunch, do the homework
and watch Tv. After that at night we have dinner and finally go
to bed.
Grammar Notes
Point 1 : Sequence adverbs often come at the start of a sentence or clause and act as a marker as to order.
•First, heat the pan. After that, you press the delete key. Then you can make your correction.

Point 2 : However, some sequence adverbs like 'first' and 'next' can come at the end of a sentence or clause.
•You have to boil the water first. Press the red button next.

Point 3 : 'Next', 'then' and 'after that' are interchangeable. They mark something between the start and finish.
•First, go down Cane Street. After that turn left onto Oak. First, get behind a rock.

•Point 4 : We often use sequence markers when giving instructions on how to do something, make something or
go somewhere.
•First, get a can opener,
•Then, open the can of chili.
•Next, put the chili in a bowl.
•After that, put it in the microwave.
•Once it is warm, you can eat it.