Transition Signals

IS LIKE A BRIDGE
a. To indicate sequence or order of
information
• First • After that
• Second • Before
• Followed by • After
• At this point • Simultaneously
• Next • Meanwhile
• Last • Subsequently
• Finally • And then
• Previously • concurrently
Examples of indicating sequence or
order:
• First, I baked the pie. Then, I chopped the
vegetables for the stir fry.
• Finish your homework before you play
outside.
b. To indicate time
• Immediately • During
• Thereafter • At that time
• Formerly • Before
• Finally • After
• Prior to • At this point
• Previously
• Then
• soon
Examples of indicating time:

• She had previously worked for the civil

service, so she had some experience.
• Leslie called me. At that time, I was out of
the train station.
c. To logically divide an idea
• First • Subsequently
• Next • Ultimately
• Finally • Consequently
• Firstly
• Secondly
• Thirdly
• Initially
Examples of logically dividing an idea:
• Firstly, I would love to see the Colosseum.
Secondly, I'm sure the pope is dying to meet
me. Thirdly, they have great pizza. I have
three reasons for wanting to visit Rome.

• Last 2020, she had been shelved. She was

subsequently dropped by her label.
 Guide
Question
Why are transition
words important in
speaking and
writing?
Activity
 Activity
Answer Exercise A on page 205. Choose
your answer from the word box.
LONG AGO FINALLY THEN NEXT
CONSEQUENTLY IMMEDIATELY
FIRST