Organizing your ideas clearly is essential for effective communication. Here are 20 words and phrases to help you sequence your thoughts seamlessly in writing or speech.
1. Furthermore
Meaning: Additionally
Example: Furthermore, we need more data for analysis.
2. At last/lastly
Meaning: Finally
Example: Lastly, we can conclude the project.
3. The former, … the latter
Meaning: First mentioned, second mentioned
Example: The former is green, the latter is red.
4. Firstly, secondly, … finally
Meaning: Sequence order
Example: Firstly, wash, secondly, chop, finally, cook the vegetables.
5. Last but not least
Meaning: Final point
Example: Last but not least, remember to lock the door.
6. Subsequently
Meaning: Following
Example: Subsequently, we reviewed the results.
7. The following/next
Meaning: Coming after
Example: The following steps must be taken carefully.
8. First of all
Meaning: Initially
Example: First of all, we need to understand the problem.
9. In addition
Meaning: Also
Example: In addition, we should verify the source.
10. The first/second/next point is
Meaning: Introducing points
Example: The first point is crucial for understanding.
11. Eventually
Meaning: In the end
Example: Eventually, the team reached an agreement.
12. Then
Meaning: Next in order
Example: Then, we will discuss the results.
13. Next
Meaning: Following in sequence
Example: Next, we need to test the hypothesis.
14. Finally
Meaning: Last in sequence
Example: Finally, summarize your findings.
15. Afterwards
Meaning: After that
Example: Afterwards, clean the workspace thoroughly.
16. First
Meaning: Initial point
Example: First, introduce the topic clearly.
17. Meanwhile
Meaning: At the same time
Example: Meanwhile, the experiment was conducted.
18. Subsequently
Meaning: After a particular thing
Example: Subsequently, they published their findings.
19. Following that
Meaning: Afterward
Example: Following that, the data was analyzed.
20. To begin with
Meaning: Start with
Example: To begin with, outline the main points.
