Sequence words show the order in which events happen or steps are carried out. They are commonly used to organize processes, narratives, and explanations by indicating when something begins, continues, happens simultaneously, or ends.
Sequence Words
Sequence words indicate order, timing, and progression. They answer questions such as when?, in what order?, or at what stage? and are widely used in procedural, academic, and narrative writing.
List of Sequence Words
Beginning
- First
- Firstly
- To begin with
- Initially
- At the beginning
- Once
- One day
- In the beginning
Continuation
- Next
- Then
- After that
- Later
- Subsequently
- Afterward
- Second
- Third
- Secondly
- Thirdly
Simultaneous Actions
- Meanwhile
- At the same time
- In the meantime
Interruption
- Suddenly
- All of a sudden
- But then
Ending
- Finally
- Lastly
- At last
- In the end
- At the end
- By the end
- Eventually
- In conclusion
- To summarize
Punctuation Notes:
- Most sequence words are followed by a comma when placed at the beginning of a sentence.
- Then is often used without a comma in natural English (e.g., “Then he left the room.”).
Examples of Sequence Words in Sentences
- First, the materials were collected and labeled.
- Next, the samples were prepared for analysis.
- Meanwhile, the control group was monitored separately.
- Suddenly, an unexpected error appeared in the results.
- Subsequently, the data was reviewed by an independent team.
- Finally, the findings were published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Types of Sequence Words
Chronological Sequence Words
These words indicate the order of events over time.
- First
- Next
- Then
- Afterward
- Finally
Procedural Sequence Words
These words are commonly used in instructions or step-by-step processes.
- To begin with
- Next
- After that
- Lastly
Narrative Sequence Words
These words help structure stories and events.
- Once
- One day
- Meanwhile
- Suddenly
- Eventually
Last Updated on January 20, 2026
Thank you for this list. It really helped me with my English homework!
It helped me to!
Same here. It is one of the most useful things I’ve come across. When I was younger, it helped me in school, like you.
As someone once said:
Same!
I love this list and it helped me write good stories! Thank you! 🙂
This is very useful to me as I am an author! I would love to see more of your posts, Love English!
I need better words to start a story sentence
Ok
thanks
hate it
WOW negative much if you don’t want to post some thing nice you really don’t have to post JUST WOW!!!!!!!!!
The starting words kinda suck but they are fine
But it still helped
Thank you this helped me with my paragragh in social studies, SO USEFUL!!!!!!!
Ok
Bolches yarboclos
This list helped me a lot.
how do I get these for my writing?
It really helped me, but you should something where you could paste your sentence, and it would give the best sequence word for it.
Thanks a Lot!
very interesting
lol me to
thanks for simplifying the lists. they were very helpful to my students.
I am willing to purchase the posters. Where am I able to buy?