Time order words can be placed anywhere in a sentence. Their most popular placement is at the start of a paragraph. When they come at the start of a sentence of paragraph, they’re typically followed by a comma. For example, “In conclusion, the final product was spectacular,” or, “Consequently, it went on to become an international bestseller.”
Here are some time order words to consider for your next piece of writing:
| Before | First | Next | Sometimes | Last |
| Earlier | To begin | After | At times | Finally |
| Previously | Starting with | Consequently | From time to time | In conclusion |
| Formerly | Initially | Following | Occasionally | To conclude |
| Previous to… | Originally | In turn | Periodically | In the end |
| In the past | At the onset | Second | Rarely | Ultimately |
| Prior to… | At the beginning | Soon after | Seldomly | To finish |
| Preceding that | To begin with | Then | Some of the time | At the end |
| Yesterday | At the outset | Henceforth | Every so often | Lastly |
| Last time | Before all else | Third | On occasion | At last |
| Until that time | In the first place | Subsequently | Every now and then | In the long run |
| In advance | To start with | Later | Intermittently | At long last |
Sequence words have a related function to transition words. Time and transition words prevent our writing from sounding stilted or choppy. They sew our lines and paragraphs together, making our writing flow smoothly. For more on that, here are some examples of transitional words and phrases.
Sample Sentences
Ready to see these time order words in action? Examining them within the context of a sentence may show just how powerful they can be.
- Earlier, I thought I saw you sitting in the courtyard.
- Consequently, I ran down the stairs to find you.
- In the end, it wasn’t meant to be.
- She was writing a book but, preceding that, she was practicing law.
- She was very happy, at the beginning, until she wasn’t.
- I find that, every so often, we could be happy if we practiced gratitude.
- Ultimately, life is what we make of it.
- Now we are free, at last.
- At the onset, my horse was trotting along happily.
- Periodically, he’d stop to pick a berry off a tree.
- At long last, we arrived at the castle.
- Every now and then, I find myself dreaming about those soft, golden fields.