As we all know, when it comes to writing in English, it’s important to make sure our writing flows smoothly and appeals to our readers. Linking words are among the most essential elements in writing which will help you become a good writer. It is because those very linking words (or transition words/phrases) help to connect our ideas and sentences in a proper way, which makes our text more coherent and interesting to read.
Here is a list of useful linking words for time and sequence that will somehow make it easier for you to write in English.
Afterward/ afterwards
Meaning: at a later or future time; subsequently.
For example:
We had tea, and afterwards we sat in the garden for a while.
Eventually
Meaning: In the end, after a long time and a lot of effort, problem.
For example:
Eventually, she got a job and moved to Paris.
Finally, Lastly
Meaning: After a long time.
For example
Finally, I’d like to thank everyone for coming this evening.
Henceforth
Meaning: Starting from this time, from now on.
For example:
In my opinion, we all should henceforth encourage him to start his own business.
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Meanwhile
Meaning: in the intervening period of time, at the same time.
For example:
Cook for a further half hour; meanwhile, make the stuffing
In the meantime
Meaning: In the time before something else finishes or is supposed to happen.
For example:
We’ll soon send you the information about the scholarship, in the meantime, visit our website to keep yourself updated.
As soon as
Meaning: As soon as is a conjunction. You use as soon as to say that something will happen immediately after something else has happened.
For example:
I’ll tell you where he is as soon as I can.
At the same time
Meaning: If two or more things exist, happen, or are true at the same time, they exist, happen, or are true together although they seem to contradict each other.
For example:
Traveling will cost you a lot of money. At the same time, I think it’s something we should definitely experience at least once in our life.
Sooner or later
Meaning: Used to say that you do not know exactly when something will happen, but you are certain that it will happen.
For example:
Sooner or later she will realize what she has been doing is wrong.
Last but not least
You use last but not least to say that the last person or thing to be mentioned is as important as all the others.
For example:
Last but not least, I’d like to thank all of you who have always supported me and given me a lot of feedback on my first book.
To begin with
Meaning: You use to begin with to introduce the first of several things that you want to say.
For example:
To begin with, I want to say thank you to all of you who are attending the lecture this morning.
All of a sudden
Meaning: If something happens all of a sudden , it happens quickly and unexpectedly.
For example:
Yesterday when I was walking in the woods, all of a sudden, it started to rain heavily.
First(ly), Second(ly), Third(ly),…; Next, Then
Meaning: These expressions are used to show the structure of what we are saying.
For example:
Firstly, we don’t have money. Secondly, we have a lot of things to do. And finally, India is not a safe place to travel.
Using these linking words for time and sequence above alone is not enough. You have to combine with other types of linking words (such as linking words for adding information, comparison and contradiction, cause and effect,…) so that your writing will become richer, deeper and easier to follow.
Did we miss out any words or phrases? If yes, please let us know in the comments below!