🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Identify and understand sequencing adverbs in professional and daily contexts
  • Use first, then, next, after that, and finally to describe a workplace process
  • Explain a multi-step procedure or story in the correct order
  • Ask and answer questions about workflows and instructions

📚 Grammar & Skill Explanation

Sequencing & Process Language

We use sequencing adverbs to show the order of events or the steps in a process. They act like signposts, guiding the listener or reader through a story or instructions.

Form/Structure

Sequencing adverbs usually come at the beginning of a sentence and are followed by a comma.

  • First, + [Clause]
  • Then, + [Clause]
  • Next, + [Clause]
  • After that, + [Clause]
  • Finally, + [Clause]

Usage Rules

  • First: Always introduces the first step.
  • Then / Next / After that: These are often interchangeable and are used for the steps in the middle. "Next" can suggest an immediate following action.
  • Finally: Always introduces the last step in a process or the end of a story.
  • Meanwhile: Used to describe an action happening at the same time as another.
  • Eventually: Describes the final outcome after a long period or a series of events.
Key Learning Tip: Think of sequencing adverbs as the glue that connects your ideas. Without them, your instructions or story can be confusing. Using them correctly makes you sound clear, organised, and professional.

🌍 Context & Real-World Usage

🏢 Professional Context
Explaining a workflow: "First, you log in to the project management software. Then, you check your assigned tasks for the day."
Presenting results: "First, I'll present the sales figures. Next, I will discuss our marketing performance. Finally, I will outline our goals for the next quarter."
IT instructions: "First, open your web browser. After that, clear your cache and cookies."
Customer onboarding: "First, we have a welcome call. Then, we set up their account. After that, we schedule a training session."
🏙️ Everyday Context
Weekend story: "First, I went to the gym on Saturday morning. Then, I met some friends for lunch."
Coffee machine: "First, you fill the water tank. Next, you insert a coffee pod. Finally, just press the large button."
Commute problem: "My train was cancelled. First, I checked the bus schedule. Eventually, I decided to take a taxi to get here on time."

🔍 Examples & Analysis

✅ Correct Professional & Daily Usage

  • Workplace: "To submit your expenses, first, complete the online form. Next, upload your receipts. Finally, click 'submit' for approval." (Clear beginning, middle, and end)
  • Workplace: "First, we held a brainstorming session. Then, we created a project plan. After that, we assigned tasks to each team member." (Logical sequence)
  • Workplace: "The system crashed yesterday. First, I tried to restart it. Eventually, I had to call the IT support team." ("Eventually" shows final solution after initial attempt)
  • Workplace: "We need to prepare for the client visit. First, let's clean the meeting room. Meanwhile, can you print the presentation slides?" ("Meanwhile" for simultaneous task)
  • Everyday: "First, I drive my kids to school. Then, I stop for a coffee on my way to the office." (Clear morning routine)
  • Everyday: "I assembled my new office chair last night. First, I unpacked all the parts. It took a long time, but finally, it was ready!" ("Finally" emphasizes completion after long process)

❌ Common Business Mistakes

  • Mistake: "I start my day. I check emails. I make a to-do list."
    Correction: "First, I start my day. Then, I check emails. After that, I make a to-do list."
    Explanation: Without sequencing adverbs, sentences are disconnected and robotic. Adverbs create logical flow.
  • Mistake: "She finished the report finally. She sent it to her manager."
    Correction: "Finally, she finished the report and sent it to her manager." OR "She finally finished the report and sent it to her manager."
    Explanation: "Finally" usually comes at the beginning of the clause or before the main verb, not at the very end.
  • Mistake: "We had the meeting. After, we had lunch."
    Correction: "We had the meeting. After that, we had lunch."
    Explanation: "After" needs an object. "After that" can be used alone to mean "after the previously mentioned event."

🎧 Listening Exercise

Weekly Update Process
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Listening Questions

1. What is the very first step in the weekly update process?
2. What does Maria say is the "key part" of the process?
3. What happens on Friday morning?
4. Gap Fill: "It sounds like a lot, but you'll get used to it. I think you'll find it's an ____________ way to keep everyone in the loop."

🧠 Interactive Quiz

Choose the most appropriate sequencing adverb for each situation.
1. To book a business trip, what should you do first?
2. Complete the sentence: "I'm having a very busy day. First, I had a team meeting. _______, I have to finish this report."
3. Which sequence is in the correct logical order?
4. Your manager asks how your presentation went. You say: "It went well. _____, I was a bit nervous, but _____ it was finished, and everyone applauded."

🧩 Exercise 1: Word Order / Sentence Building

Put the words in the correct order to describe a process. (Tech Company - Software Update Process)
1. the / First, / download / latest / file.
2. the / Then, / instructions / read / carefully.
3. the / installation / After that, / begin / program.
4. your / Finally, / computer / restart.

✅ Exercise 2: Matching Exercise (Project Management)

Match the first part of the process (1-4) with the logical next step (A-D).
1. First, we define the project goals.
2. Then, we create a detailed budget.
3. Next, we assemble the project team.
4. Finally, we hold a project kick-off meeting.

🛠️ Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Form (Finance Department)

Choose the correct sequencing adverb to complete the sentence.
1. (First / Finally), you must log your hours for the week. Then, your manager approves them.
2. We analyzed the data for weeks. (Then / Eventually), we discovered the error in the calculations.
3. He is printing the documents now. (Meanwhile / Next), I'm booking the meeting room.
4. We finished the main report. (After that / First), we need to prepare a short summary for the CEO.

📊 Exercise 4: Fill the Table/Chart

A manager sent this poorly structured email. Reorganize the steps into the correct order in the table.

Email: "Hi Team, we need to organize the office party. You should send out the invitations. But before that, we need to book a venue. We also have to set a budget before anything else. And the very last thing is to confirm the number of guests."

Step Action
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:

🗣️ Speaking Practice – Preparation for Class

⚠️ Preparation for Class Only
Prepare these prompts so you can practise with your teacher.
Task 1: Controlled Practice
2 minutes

Use sequencing adverbs (First, Then, Finally) to describe the three steps for checking voicemail:

  • Enter your PIN
  • Listen to new messages
  • Delete or save messages

Example: "First, I enter my PIN. Then, I listen to the new messages. Finally, I delete or save the messages."

Task 2: Guided Practice
3 minutes

Choose one scenario and explain the process using at least four sequencing adverbs:

  • Tech Scenario: Explain the process of reporting a bug in software (find, replicate, screenshot, describe, submit)
  • HR Scenario: Explain the process for requesting a holiday (check calendar, talk to manager, fill form, receive confirmation)
Task 3: Free Practice
5 minutes

Choose the scenario most relevant to your job:

  • Scenario A: Describe a common weekly workflow. What's the first step? What happens next? What's the final step?
  • Scenario B: Think about learning a new process at work. Explain the steps you followed. Was it easy or difficult?

📋 Summary & Study Tips

Key Takeaways

  • Sequencing adverbs (first, then, next, finally) put actions in a logical order
  • They make instructions and stories clear and easy to follow
  • In business, using them correctly makes you sound professional and organized

Professional Study Tips

Listen for Sequences: Pay attention to how speakers use sequencing adverbs in presentations or instructions

Write a Workflow: Choose a simple process from your job and write it down in 4-5 steps using sequencing adverbs

Use in emails: The next time you write an email with instructions, use First, Next, and Finally to make your message clearer