Words (Core Vocabulary)
- first / next / then / after that / finally
- before / after / during / while
- when / once / as soon as / by the time
- earlier / later / meanwhile
- since / for (duration with present perfect)
- time prepositions: in (months/years), on (days/dates), at (clock times)
Phrases (Clear sequencing)
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven. Next, mix the ingredients. Then, pour the batter. Finally, bake for 30 minutes.
Stories
- When I arrived, it was raining. After we found seats, the show started. By the time it ended, the sky was clear.
Parallel actions
- While I was cooking, the doorbell rang.
- During the meeting, please mute your mic.
Immediate sequence
- As soon as you get the email, confirm the time.
- Once the payment posts, you’ll receive the receipt.
Contextual Examples (Everyday)
- We’ve lived here since 2022 (for three years).
- The class starts at 9 on Monday in September.
- After you log in, then click “Submit.”
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
- first/next/then/finally (processes)
- before/after work/class
- during the appointment
- while waiting in the lineup
- as soon as you arrive
- by the time we got there
Quick Grammar Notes
- in/on/at: in June/2026, on Friday/July 12, at 3:00 p.m.
- since + point in time / for + duration: since 2023, for two weeks.
- Use past continuous + past simple for interruption: “I was walking when it started to rain.”
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- How-to: “First open the app, then scan the code, finally save the receipt.”
- Plan: “Once we get tickets, we’ll head to the museum; after that, lunch.”
- Confirm: “As soon as I hear back, I’ll let you know.”