Mastering the art of expressing sequence is crucial for clear and effective communication in English. The phrase “following by” is just one way to indicate that something happens after something else.
However, relying solely on this phrase can make your writing and speech sound repetitive and lack nuance. This article explores a variety of alternative expressions, each with its own subtle meaning and appropriate context.
Understanding these alternatives will significantly enhance your ability to convey the order of events, steps in a process, or logical progression in your arguments. This guide is beneficial for English language learners of all levels, students writing essays, professionals creating reports, and anyone who wants to improve the clarity and sophistication of their communication.
By delving into the nuances of these alternative expressions, you’ll not only expand your vocabulary but also gain a deeper understanding of how to structure your sentences and paragraphs for maximum impact. We will explore various synonyms, phrases, and grammatical structures that can replace “following by,” providing you with the tools to write and speak with greater precision and style.
Table of Contents
- Definition: Expressing Sequence
- Structural Breakdown of Sequential Expressions
- Types and Categories of Sequential Expressions
- Examples of Alternatives to “Following By”
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Subtleties and Nuances
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition: Expressing Sequence
Expressing sequence in English involves indicating the order in which events occur, steps are taken, or ideas are presented. It’s a fundamental aspect of grammar and communication, allowing us to create coherent narratives, provide clear instructions, and construct logical arguments.
The phrase “following by” is a direct way to show this order, but it’s not the only, nor always the best, option.
The concept of sequence extends beyond simply stating what comes after what. It also encompasses the relationship between events, whether one event causes another, or whether they are simply related in time.
Understanding the different ways to express sequence allows for more precise and nuanced communication.
Sequential expressions can be classified based on their function. Some emphasize the temporal aspect, highlighting the time elapsed between events.
Others focus on the logical connection between ideas, while still others describe the steps in a process. The choice of expression depends on the specific context and the intended meaning.
Structural Breakdown of Sequential Expressions
Sequential expressions can take various grammatical forms, including adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, and verb phrases. Understanding these different structures is key to using them correctly and effectively.
Adverbs: Words like then, next, subsequently, afterwards, and finally are commonly used to indicate sequence. These adverbs often modify the verb and provide information about when the action occurred in relation to other actions.
Conjunctions: Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) can sometimes imply sequence, particularly when combined with other sequential cues. Subordinating conjunctions like after, before, while, as soon as, and until explicitly indicate the temporal relationship between two clauses.
Prepositions: Prepositions such as after, before, during, and upon can be used to create prepositional phrases that indicate sequence. For example, “After the meeting” or “Before the presentation.”
Verb Phrases: Certain verb phrases, such as “proceed to,” “move on to,” and “follow with,” directly express the idea of one action following another.
The structure of a sentence can also influence how sequence is understood. For instance, placing events in chronological order, using parallel structure to list steps, and employing transition words between paragraphs all contribute to a clear and coherent presentation of sequence.
Types and Categories of Sequential Expressions
Sequential expressions can be grouped into several categories based on the type of relationship they convey. These categories include time-related expressions, logical order expressions, cause and effect expressions, and procedural steps expressions.
Time-Related Expressions
These expressions emphasize the temporal relationship between events, indicating when one event occurs in relation to another. They focus on the passage of time and the order in which things happen.
Examples include: after, before, during, simultaneously, concurrently, subsequently, afterwards, later, previously, earlier, immediately, instantly, presently, eventually.
Logical Order Expressions
These expressions indicate the order in which ideas or arguments are presented. They are often used to create a logical flow and to guide the reader or listener through a line of reasoning.
Examples include: first, second, third, firstly, secondly, thirdly, initially, to begin with, in addition, furthermore, moreover, also, finally, lastly, in conclusion.
Cause and Effect Expressions
These expressions highlight the relationship between a cause and its effect, indicating that one event or idea leads to another. They show how actions and outcomes are connected.
Examples include: therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, hence, because, since, due to, owing to, for this reason.
Procedural Steps Expressions
These expressions are used to describe the steps in a process or procedure, providing clear instructions and guidance. They ensure that the steps are followed in the correct order.
Examples include: first, next, then, after that, subsequently, following this, at this point, once completed, upon completion.
Examples of Alternatives to “Following By”
This section provides a wide range of examples to illustrate the different ways to express sequence in English, categorized by the types discussed above. Each table contains multiple examples to demonstrate the versatility of these expressions.
Time-Related Examples
The following table provides examples of time-related expressions that can be used instead of “following by.” These examples demonstrate how to indicate the order of events with a focus on the temporal relationship between them.
| Original Sentence (with “Following By”) | Alternative Sentence (Time-Related) |
|---|---|
| The rain stopped, following by sunshine. | The rain stopped, after which the sun emerged. |
| The presentation ended, following by a Q&A session. | The presentation ended, subsequently followed by a Q&A session. |
| The concert finished, following by an encore. | The concert finished, afterwards there was an encore. |
| The storm passed, following by a period of calm. | The storm passed, later a period of calm ensued. |
| The lecture began, following by a discussion. | The lecture began, then a discussion took place. |
| Dinner was served, following by dessert. | Dinner was served, immediately followed by dessert. |
| The bell rang, following by the students leaving the classroom. | The bell rang, instantly the students left the classroom. |
| The announcement was made, following by the implementation of the new policy. | The announcement was made, presently the new policy was implemented. |
| The project started, following by a series of challenges. | The project started, eventually leading to a series of challenges. |
| The war ended, following by a period of reconstruction. | The war ended, thereafter a period of reconstruction began. |
| The meeting adjourned, following by informal discussions. | The meeting adjourned, at once informal discussions started. |
| The play opened, following by rave reviews. | The play opened, soon after rave reviews appeared. |
| The company launched the product, following by a marketing campaign. | The company launched the product, concurrently running a marketing campaign. |
| The chef prepared the sauce, following by the main course. | The chef prepared the sauce, previously having prepped the vegetables. |
| The band played their first song, following by a medley of hits. | The band played their first song, before long launching into a medley of hits. |
| The sun set, following by the rising of the moon. | The sun set, simultaneously the stars began to appear. |
| The ice cream melted, following by a sticky mess. | The ice cream melted, in due course creating a sticky mess. |
| The detective arrived, following by the forensic team. | The detective arrived, shortly followed by the forensic team. |
| The seed was planted, following by the sprout emerging. | The seed was planted, anon the sprout emerged. |
| The actor finished his monologue, following by thunderous applause. | The actor finished his monologue, upon which thunderous applause erupted. |
| The king died, following by his son’s coronation. | The king died, in the fullness of time his son was coronated. |
| The rain started, following by a rainbow. | The rain started, thereupon a rainbow appeared. |
| The lights dimmed, following by the start of the movie. | The lights dimmed, forthwith the movie began. |
| The curtain rose, following by the beginning of the play. | The curtain rose, instanter the play commenced. |
Logical Order Examples
The table below illustrates how to use logical order expressions as alternatives to “following by.” These expressions help to structure arguments, present ideas in a clear sequence, and guide the reader through a line of reasoning.
| Original Sentence (with “Following By”) | Alternative Sentence (Logical Order) |
|---|---|
| Introduce the topic, following by the main arguments. | First, introduce the topic; second, present the main arguments. |
| Gather data, following by analyzing the results. | Initially, gather data; then, analyze the results. |
| State your thesis, following by supporting evidence. | To begin with, state your thesis; furthermore, provide supporting evidence. |
| Outline the problem, following by potential solutions. | Firstly, outline the problem; secondly, propose potential solutions. |
| Present the background, following by the current situation. | Initially, present the background; in addition, describe the current situation. |
| Explain the theory, following by practical applications. | First, explain the theory; moreover, discuss practical applications. |
| Introduce the characters, following by the plot development. | To begin with, introduce the characters; also, describe the plot development. |
| List the advantages, following by the disadvantages. | First, list the advantages; finally, list the disadvantages. |
| Describe the setting, following by the events that unfold. | Initially, describe the setting; lastly, describe the events that unfold. |
| Present the historical context, following by the modern implications. | First, present the historical context; in conclusion, discuss the modern implications. |
| Define the terms, following by the analysis. | Firstly, define the terms; subsequently, conduct the analysis. |
| Establish the framework, following by the detailed discussion. | Primarily, establish the framework; then, proceed to the detailed discussion. |
| Present the case study, following by the general principles. | At the outset, present the case study; after that, derive the general principles. |
| Introduce the concept, following by examples. | To start, introduce the concept; next, provide examples. |
| Outline the steps, following by a detailed explanation. | First and foremost, outline the steps; thereafter, provide a detailed explanation. |
| State the hypothesis, following by the experimental design. | Initially, state the hypothesis; following this, describe the experimental design. |
| Present the overview, following by specific details. | In the first place, present the overview; then, delve into specific details. |
| Introduce the topic, following by supporting arguments. | To commence with, introduce the topic; additionally, provide supporting arguments. |
| Define the key terms, following by a discussion of their significance. | First, define the key terms; furthermore, discuss their significance. |
| Present the background information, following by the central question. | Initially, present the background information; afterward, introduce the central question. |
| Outline the problem, following by the proposed solutions. | To begin, outline the problem; subsequently, offer the proposed solutions. |
| State the main point, following by supporting evidence. | Firstly, state the main point; secondly, provide supporting evidence. |
| Introduce the topic, following by the thesis statement. | Initially, introduce the topic; thereafter, present the thesis statement. |
| Present the argument, following by the counterargument. | First, present the argument; then, introduce the counterargument. |
Cause and Effect Examples
The subsequent table provides examples of cause and effect expressions that can replace “following by.” These expressions highlight the relationship between actions and their outcomes, demonstrating how one event leads to another.
| Original Sentence (with “Following By”) | Alternative Sentence (Cause and Effect) |
|---|---|
| The drought continued, following by a famine. | The drought continued; consequently, a famine occurred. |
| The price increased, following by decreased sales. | The price increased; as a result, sales decreased. |
| The company invested heavily, following by significant profits. | The company invested heavily; therefore, they achieved significant profits. |
| The storm intensified, following by widespread damage. | The storm intensified; thus, it caused widespread damage. |
| The policy was implemented, following by improved efficiency. | The policy was implemented; hence, efficiency improved. |
| He studied hard, following by excellent grades. | He studied hard; because of this, he received excellent grades. |
| The experiment failed, following by further investigation. | The experiment failed; due to this, further investigation was required. |
| The resources were limited, following by project delays. | The resources were limited; owing to this, the project was delayed. |
| The demand increased, following by higher production. | The demand increased; for this reason, production was increased. |
| The law was passed, following by changes in society. | The law was passed; accordingly, changes in society occurred. |
| The team collaborated effectively, following by a successful project completion. | The team collaborated effectively; subsequently, the project was completed successfully. |
| The technology advanced rapidly, following by new innovations. | The technology advanced rapidly; thereupon, new innovations emerged. |
| The marketing campaign was successful, following by increased brand awareness. | The marketing campaign was successful; consequently, brand awareness increased. |
| The company invested in research, following by groundbreaking discoveries. | The company invested in research; as a result, groundbreaking discoveries were made. |
| The weather was favorable, following by a bountiful harvest. | The weather was favorable; thus, a bountiful harvest was achieved. |
| The training program was effective, following by improved employee performance. | The training program was effective; therefore, employee performance improved. |
| The government implemented new policies, following by economic growth. | The government implemented new policies; hence, economic growth occurred. |
| The scientist conducted thorough research, following by a major breakthrough. | The scientist conducted thorough research; because of this, a major breakthrough was achieved. |
| The software was updated, following by enhanced security. | The software was updated; as such, security was enhanced. |
| The new regulations were enforced, following by improved safety standards. | The new regulations were enforced; consequently, safety standards improved. |
| The company adopted sustainable practices, following by a positive public image. | The company adopted sustainable practices; in consequence, it developed a positive public image. |
| The team worked tirelessly, following by a remarkable achievement. | The team worked tirelessly; ergo, it achieved a remarkable result. |
| The professor gave clear instructions, following by the students’ success. | The professor gave clear instructions, and thereby the students succeeded. |
| The community volunteered their time, following by the project’s success. | The community volunteered their time, and thus the project succeeded. |
Procedural Steps Examples
This table showcases how to use procedural steps expressions instead of “following by.” These expressions are useful for describing instructions, recipes, or any process that involves a series of steps.
| Original Sentence (with “Following By”) | Alternative Sentence (Procedural Steps) |
|---|---|
| Add the flour, following by the eggs. | First, add the flour; next, add the eggs. |
| Turn on the computer, following by opening the program. | First, turn on the computer; then, open the program. |
| Insert the key, following by turning it clockwise. | First, insert the key; after that, turn it clockwise. |
| Click the button, following by selecting the option. | First, click the button; subsequently, select the option. |
| Log in to your account, following by navigating to the settings. | First, log in to your account; following this, navigate to the settings. |
| Prepare the ingredients, following by cooking the dish. | First, prepare the ingredients; at this point, begin cooking the dish. |
| Read the instructions, following by assembling the furniture. | First, read the instructions; once completed, assemble the furniture. |
| Install the software, following by configuring the settings. | First, install the software; upon completion, configure the settings. |
| Gather the materials, following by starting the project. | First, gather the materials; then, start the project. |
| Outline the essay, following by writing the introduction. | First, outline the essay; next, write the introduction. |
| Prepare the canvas, following by applying the first layer of paint. | Firstly, prepare the canvas; afterward, apply the first layer of paint. |
| Mix the chemicals, following by observing the reaction. | Begin by mixing the chemicals; subsequently, observe the reaction. |
| Set up the equipment, following by conducting the experiment. | First off, set up the equipment; then, conduct the experiment. |
| Open the package, following by removing the contents. | First, open the package; next, remove the contents. |
| Check the connections, following by powering on the device. | Begin by checking the connections; after that, power on the device. |
| Gather the data, following by analyzing the results. | Begin by gathering the data; then, analyze the results. |
| Prepare the site, following by building the foundation. | Start by preparing the site; then, build the foundation. |
| Read the manual, following by operating the machine. | Firstly, read the manual; subsequently, operate the machine. |
| Gather the tools, following by starting the repair. | First, gather the tools; then, commence the repair. |
| Set the parameters, following by running the simulation. | Begin by setting the parameters; next, run the simulation. |
| Select the ingredients, following by starting to cook. | First, select the ingredients; then, start to cook. |
| Download the file, following by installing the program. | Begin by downloading the file; thereafter, install the program. |
| Prepare the dough, following by baking the bread. | First, prepare the dough; afterward, bake the bread. |
| Study the material, following by taking the exam. | Begin by studying the material; subsequently, take the exam. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
While the expressions listed above offer alternatives to “following by,” it’s essential to use them correctly. Here are some usage rules and considerations to keep in mind:
Context Matters: The best expression to use depends on the specific context. Consider the type of relationship you want to convey (time, logic, cause, or procedure) and choose the expression that best reflects that relationship.
Formal vs. Informal: Some expressions are more formal than others. For instance, “subsequently” and “thereafter” are generally more formal than “then” or “next.” Choose an expression that is appropriate for the tone of your writing or speech.
Clarity and Flow: Ensure that the expression you choose enhances the clarity and flow of your writing. Avoid using expressions that are ambiguous or that disrupt the natural rhythm of your sentences.
Variety: While it’s important to use expressions correctly, it’s also important to vary your language. Avoid using the same expression repeatedly, as this can make your writing sound monotonous.
Punctuation: Pay attention to punctuation when using sequential expressions. Adverbs often require a comma after them (e.g., “Then, I went to the store”). Conjunctions connect clauses and may require a comma depending on the structure of the sentence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a good understanding of sequential expressions, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors to avoid:
Incorrect Use of Tense: Ensure that the tenses of the verbs in your sentences are consistent and logical. For example, avoid mixing past and present tenses inappropriately.
Ambiguous Pronoun Reference: Make sure that pronouns like “it,” “this,” and “that” have clear and unambiguous references. Otherwise, your readers may not understand the sequence of events.
Overuse of “Then”: While “then” is a versatile word, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Try to vary your language by using other expressions when appropriate.
Misplaced Modifiers: Ensure that modifiers are placed close to the words they modify. Misplaced modifiers can create confusion and change the meaning of your sentences.
Incorrect Punctuation: Pay attention to punctuation, especially when using adverbs and conjunctions. Incorrect punctuation can make your sentences difficult to read and understand.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and how to correct them:
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He ate dinner, following by he watched TV. | He ate dinner; then he watched TV. | The original sentence lacks proper conjunction or punctuation to connect the two clauses. |
| After eating, he went to the store, then he bought milk. | After eating, he went to the store and bought milk. | Overuse of “then” makes the sentence repetitive. Combining the actions into one sentence improves flow. |
| He finished the test, subsequently leaving the room quickly. | He finished the test, subsequently leaving the room. | The word “quickly” is redundant as the sentence already implies swift action. |
| First, you add sugar. Moreover, you boil the water. | First, you add sugar. Next, you boil the water. | “Moreover” implies addition, not sequence. “Next” is more appropriate for indicating the next step in a process. |
| Having finished the report, then he submitted it. | Having finished the report, he then submitted it. | The word “then” is misplaced and disrupts the flow of the sentence. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of sequential expressions with the following exercises. Choose the best alternative to “following by” in each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| The sun set, following by the stars appearing. | a) then b) therefore c) because | a) then |
| He studied hard, following by passing the exam. | a) consequently b) initially c) next | a) consequently |
| First, gather the materials, following by assemble the model. | a) thus b) next c) however | b) next |
| The rain stopped, following by the sun shining. | a) since b) afterward c) for | b) afterward |
| Introduce the topic, following by present your arguments. | a) therefore b) firstly c) although | b) firstly |
| The price increased, following by sales decreasing. | a) so b) therefore c) next | b) therefore |
| Add the flour, following by add the eggs. | a) next b) because c) but | a) next |
| The storm passed, following by calm weather. | a) then b) so c) but | a) then |
| Present the problem, following by propose a solution. | a) next b) therefore c) since | a) next |
| The meeting ended, following by informal discussions. | a) therefore b) then c) but | b) then |
| He finished his work, following by he went home. | a) consequently b) after that c) because | b) after that |
| The company invested heavily, following by significant profits. | a) as a result b) then c) initially | a) as a result |
| She completed her degree, following by she got a job. | a) so b) then c) initially | b) then |
| The team collaborated effectively, following by the project’s success. | a) hence b) as a result c) but | b) as a result |
| The research was thorough, following by a major breakthrough. | a) therefore b) then c) but | a) therefore |
Advanced Topics: Subtleties and Nuances
For advanced learners, it’s important to understand the more subtle nuances of sequential expressions. This includes recognizing implied sequence, understanding the impact of sentence structure, and using expressions creatively to achieve specific effects.
Implied Sequence: Sometimes, sequence is implied rather than explicitly stated. For example, the sentence “He woke up, brushed his teeth, and went to work” implies a sequence of actions without using explicit sequential expressions.
Sentence Structure: The way you structure your sentences can also influence how sequence is understood. Using parallel structure, for example, can create a sense of rhythm and emphasize the order of events.
Creative Use of Expressions: Advanced writers and speakers often use sequential expressions creatively to achieve specific effects. This might involve using unexpected expressions, playing with the order of events, or creating a sense of suspense.
Cultural Considerations: The use of sequential expressions can also vary across cultures. It’s important to be aware of these differences and to adapt your language accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about expressing sequence in English:
Q: Is “following by” always incorrect?
A: No, “following by” is grammatically correct, but it can be overused. This article provides alternative expressions which may sound better and more naturally in certain contexts.
Variety in your language is important for clear communication.
Q: What’s the difference between “then” and “afterwards”?
A: Both words indicate sequence, but “afterwards” is generally more formal and implies a longer period of time between events than “then.”
Q: How can I avoid overuse of sequential expressions?
A: Try to vary your language by using different expressions. Also, consider whether the sequence is already clear from the context, in which case you may not need to use an explicit expression at all.
Q: Are there any regional variations in the use of sequential expressions?
A: Yes, there may be some regional variations, although they are generally minor. For example, some expressions may be more common in British English than in American English.
Q: How important is punctuation when using sequential expressions?
A: Punctuation is very important. Incorrect punctuation can make your sentences difficult to read and understand.
Pay particular attention to commas when using adverbs and conjunctions.
Q: Can I use sequential expressions at the beginning of a sentence?
A: Yes, many sequential expressions can be used at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the order of events or ideas. For example, “First, I went to the store.
Then, I went home.”
Conclusion
Expressing sequence effectively is a vital skill for clear and compelling communication. While “following by” is a valid option, mastering a range of alternative expressions will significantly enhance your writing and speaking.
By understanding the different types of sequential relationships (time, logic, cause, procedure) and choosing the most appropriate expression for each context, you can convey your ideas with greater precision and nuance. Remember to consider the level of formality, the flow of your sentences, and the importance of punctuation.
By avoiding common mistakes and practicing regularly, you can develop a strong command of sequential expressions and elevate the quality of your communication.