What are linking words?
Linking words are words that connect ideas in a sentence. They help tell how events are related and help writing make sense.
- I ate breakfast and I went to school.
- We played outside then we went inside.
Linking words help readers understand the order and connection between ideas.
What are time order words?
Time order words are linking words that show when things happen. They help tell what happens first, next, and last.
- First, I woke up.
- Next, I ate breakfast.
- Finally, I went to school.
Time order words are often used in stories and how-to writing.
Time order words for the beginning
These words tell what happens at the start of an event or story.
- Beginning
- First
- First of all
- To begin with
- To start with
- Initially
- At the beginning
Beginning words help the reader know how the story or event starts.
Time order words for the middle
These words show what happens next or in the middle of events.
- Next
- Then
- After that
- Soon
- Later
- Following that
- In the meantime
Middle words help writing flow smoothly from one event to another.
Time order words for the end
These words tell that events are finished or coming to an end.
- Finally
- Last
- Lastly
- In the end
- At last
Ending words help readers know the story or event is complete.
Time order words for past, present, and future
Some time order words show whether something happened in the past, is happening now, or will happen in the future.
- Past: Yesterday, Before, Earlier, Last week, In the past
- Present: Now, Today, During
- Future: Tomorrow, Soon, Later
These words help readers understand when an action takes place.
Using time order words in sentences
Use time order words to make your writing clear and easy to follow.
- First, I put on my shoes.
- Then, I went outside.
- Finally, I played with my friends.
Ask yourself: What happened first, next, and last?
Common Core alignment: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.3 – Use temporal words to signal event order.
Notes for teachers
This free lesson is aligned with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.3. Use it for whole-class instruction, independent practice, or homework.
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