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Sequencing Events
"First, next, and finally: Learn how to tell a clear story in perfect order."
Telling a Story
Learn vocabulary for ordering actions and events.
When you tell a story or explain a process, you must put the events in the correct sequence. We usually do this in chronological order, starting from the very beginning.
To guide your listener, use connecting words. Start with first to introduce the opening step. Follow it with transition words like next, then, or after that.
If two things are happening at the exact same time, you can use the word meanwhile. If something happens very fast without warning, we say it happened suddenly. To wrap up your story, use eventually or finally to explain the ending!
A Crazy Morning
Read the conversation between Maya and Leo about his bad morning.
Maya
Leo, you look exhausted! Let me guess, your morning didn't go in a smooth sequence today?
Leo
It was a disaster! Let me tell you the story in chronological order. First, my alarm clock didn't go off.
Maya
Oh no! So you woke up late. What happened after that?
Leo
Well, then I burned my toast. Next, I ran outside to catch the bus. Meanwhile, it started pouring rain!
Maya
You must have been soaking wet! Did the bus eventually arrive?
Leo
It did, but suddenly it drove right past me without stopping! Finally, I had to call a very expensive taxi.
Sequencing Tips
Helpful grammar rules to remember when telling a story.
Don't forget the comma!
"Then" vs. "Next"
"Finally" vs. "At last"
Sequencing Quiz
Choose the correct sequence word to complete the sentence.