Beyond “Following By”: Diverse Ways to Express Sequence

Mastering the art of expressing sequence is crucial for clear and effective communication. While “following by” is a common phrase, relying solely on it can make your writing and speech sound monotonous.

This article explores a wide array of alternative phrases and grammatical structures that convey the same meaning with greater nuance and style. Whether you’re an ESL learner, a student honing your writing skills, or a professional seeking to enhance your communication, this guide will equip you with the tools to express sequential relationships with confidence and precision.

This article provides in-depth explanations, numerous examples, and practical exercises to help you internalize these alternatives. By the end, you’ll be able to choose the most appropriate phrase for any given context, adding depth and sophistication to your language skills.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition: Expressing Sequence
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types and Categories of Sequential Expressions
   • Temporal Adverbs
   • Prepositional Phrases
   • Conjunctions
   • Verbs of Succession
   • Gerunds and Participles
5. Examples
   • Temporal Adverbs Examples
   • Prepositional Phrases Examples
   • Conjunctions Examples
   • Verbs of Succession Examples
   • Gerunds and Participles Examples
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
   • Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
   • Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
   • Exercise 3: Error Correction
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Introduction

Expressing sequence is a fundamental aspect of language, allowing us to narrate events, provide instructions, and explain processes in a logical and coherent manner. While the phrase “following by” serves this purpose, it’s often overused, leading to repetitive and less engaging communication.

This article aims to expand your linguistic repertoire by introducing a variety of alternative expressions that can effectively replace “following by” in different contexts. This is beneficial for anyone looking to improve their writing style and provide more clarity to their communication.

By exploring temporal adverbs, prepositional phrases, conjunctions, verbs of succession, and gerunds/participles, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to convey sequential relationships with greater precision and nuance. The numerous examples and practice exercises will further solidify your understanding and enable you to confidently apply these new expressions in your own writing and speech.

This guide is designed for English language learners, students, and professionals alike, offering valuable insights for anyone seeking to enhance their communication skills.

Definition: Expressing Sequence

Expressing sequence involves indicating the order in which events, actions, or items occur. It’s a crucial element of narrative, instruction, and explanation.

The phrase “following by” is a simple way to denote this order, but it lacks the subtlety and precision that other expressions can offer. Understanding the nuances of different sequential expressions allows for clearer and more engaging communication.

Let’s delve deeper into the grammatical categories that help us express sequence.

Classification: Expressions of sequence can be classified based on their grammatical function. They can be adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, verbs, or verbal phrases. Each category has its own specific rules and usage patterns, which we will explore in detail.

Function: The primary function of these expressions is to establish a temporal relationship between two or more events or items. This relationship can be one of immediate succession, delayed succession, or simultaneous occurrence, among others.

Contexts: Expressions of sequence are used in a wide range of contexts, including storytelling, procedural writing, scientific reports, and everyday conversations. The choice of expression depends on the desired level of formality, the specific temporal relationship being conveyed, and the overall tone of the communication.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of sequential expressions varies depending on their grammatical category. Adverbs typically modify verbs or clauses, indicating when an action occurs in relation to another.

Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition followed by a noun phrase, specifying the temporal relationship between two events. Conjunctions connect clauses or sentences, establishing a sequential link between them.

Verbs of succession directly express the act of following or succeeding. Gerunds and participles can function as adverbs or adjectives, providing information about the timing of an action.

For example, the adverb “then” typically appears at the beginning of a clause, indicating that the action described in that clause occurs after the action described in the previous clause. The prepositional phrase “afterward” also functions similarly.

Conjunctions like “after” and “once” introduce dependent clauses that specify the timing of the main clause. Verbs like “ensue” directly state that something follows another.

Understanding these structural elements is essential for using sequential expressions correctly and effectively.

Let’s consider a few examples: “First, gather your materials. Then, begin the experiment.” Here, “then” is an adverb indicating sequence.

“After the rain, the sun came out.” Here, “after” is a preposition indicating sequence. “Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email.” Here, “once” is a conjunction indicating sequence.

Types and Categories of Sequential Expressions

There are several ways to categorize expressions that replace “following by.” The most effective approach is to group them based on their grammatical function. Understanding these categories will help you choose the most appropriate expression for a given context and sentence structure.

Temporal Adverbs

Temporal adverbs are words that specify when an action occurs. They often modify verbs or clauses, indicating the timing of an event in relation to another.

These adverbs can be used to express immediate succession, delayed succession, or simultaneous occurrence.

Examples of temporal adverbs include: then, next, afterward, subsequently, later, thereafter, previously, before, earlier, immediately, concurrently, simultaneously.

Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition followed by a noun phrase. They can function as adverbs or adjectives, providing information about the timing or sequence of events.

These phrases often offer a more precise and detailed way to express temporal relationships compared to single-word adverbs.

Examples of prepositional phrases include: after that, after which, following this, subsequent to, prior to, previous to, before then, in the wake of, on the heels of, at the heels of.

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that connect clauses or sentences. Temporal conjunctions specifically indicate the timing or sequence of events described in the connected clauses.

These conjunctions can be used to express a variety of temporal relationships, such as cause and effect, condition and consequence, or simple succession.

Examples of conjunctions include: after, as, as soon as, before, once, since, until, when, while, whereas.

Verbs of Succession

Verbs of succession are verbs that directly express the act of following or succeeding. These verbs can be used to describe the order in which events or actions occur, often with a sense of causality or consequence.

Examples of verbs of succession include: ensue, succeed, follow, arise, stem, result, proceed.

Gerunds and Participles

Gerunds (verb forms ending in “-ing” that function as nouns) and participles (verb forms that function as adjectives or adverbs) can be used to express sequence. Present participles (ending in “-ing”) can describe actions that occur simultaneously or immediately after another action, while past participles (ending in “-ed” or “-en”) can describe actions that have already been completed.

Examples using gerunds and participles include: Following the presentation, we had a Q&A session. Having finished the report, she took a break.

Examples

To illustrate the different ways to express sequence, let’s examine examples for each category. These examples will demonstrate how to use temporal adverbs, prepositional phrases, conjunctions, verbs of succession, and gerunds/participles effectively in various contexts.

Pay attention to the sentence structure and the specific nuances of each expression.

Temporal Adverbs Examples

Temporal adverbs provide a concise way to indicate the order of events. Here are some examples demonstrating their use in different contexts.

Notice how the adverb modifies the verb or clause, specifying the timing of the action.

The table below provides a series of sentences using temporal adverbs to indicate the sequence of events. Each sentence has been carefully crafted to show the adverb in context, illustrating its role in clarifying the timing of different actions.

Temporal Adverb	Example Sentence
Then	First, preheat the oven; then, bake the cake.
Next	We reviewed the report; next, we made our decision.
Afterward	The storm passed; afterward, the sun came out.
Subsequently	The company faced financial difficulties; subsequently, it filed for bankruptcy.
Later	He finished his work; later, he went to the gym.
Thereafter	She won the competition; thereafter, she became a celebrity.
Previously	Previously, the building was a warehouse; now, it’s an office.
Before	Check the exits before the show begins.
Earlier	I spoke to him earlier today.
Immediately	Immediately after the concert, the crowd dispersed.
Concurrently	The two projects were running concurrently.
Simultaneously	The two events happened simultaneously.
Firstly	Firstly, we need to gather the data.
Secondly	Secondly, we analyze the data.
Thirdly	Thirdly, we present the results.
Finally	Finally, we draw conclusions.
Meanwhile	I’ll start cooking; meanwhile, you set the table.
Eventually	Eventually, he achieved his goals.
Soon	I will be there soon.
Presently	Presently, we are working on the project.
Ultimately	Ultimately, the decision rests with the board.
Thereupon	He signed the contract; thereupon, the deal was sealed.
Forthwith	The order was given; forthwith, the troops moved out.
Hereafter	Hereafter, all employees must wear ID badges.

Prepositional Phrases Examples

Prepositional phrases offer a more detailed way to express sequence, specifying the relationship between events with greater precision. Here are some examples demonstrating their use in various contexts.

Below is a table showcasing different prepositional phrases used to indicate sequence. Each phrase is demonstrated in a sentence to provide context and clarity.

The sentences illustrate how these phrases can add nuance and precision to your writing.

Prepositional Phrase	Example Sentence
After that	We finished the meeting; after that, we went to lunch.
After which	The judge announced the verdict, after which the courtroom erupted.
Following this	We completed the first phase; following this, we began the second.
Subsequent to	Subsequent to the merger, the company underwent restructuring.
Prior to	Prior to the event, we sent out invitations.
Previous to	Previous to our arrival, they had already left.
Before then	I had never seen snow before then.
In the wake of	In the wake of the disaster, many people lost their homes.
On the heels of	The second wave of the pandemic came on the heels of the first.
At the heels of	Scandal was at the heels of the politician.
In due course	The results will be announced in due course.
At a later date	We will discuss this further at a later date.
In succession	He won three races in succession.
Pursuant to	Pursuant to the agreement, we will proceed with the project.
In the aftermath of	In the aftermath of the earthquake, rescue efforts began.
With the advent of	With the advent of technology, our lives have changed.
At the conclusion of	At the conclusion of the ceremony, everyone applauded.
In short order	The repairs were completed in short order.
On the heels of	New laws were introduced on the heels of the scandal.
In the continuum of	In the continuum of life, death follows birth.
In compliance with	In compliance with the regulations, we must file the report.
In accordance with	In accordance with the rules, the game will continue.
In sequence	The events unfolded in sequence, as planned.

Conjunctions Examples

Conjunctions connect clauses or sentences, establishing a sequential link between them. They provide a clear and concise way to indicate the order of events.

Here are some examples demonstrating their use in various contexts.

The table below illustrates the use of temporal conjunctions to connect clauses and indicate the order of events. Each conjunction is used in a sentence to demonstrate its function in establishing a sequential relationship between different actions or occurrences.

Conjunction	Example Sentence
After	After the concert ended, we went out for dinner.
As	As the sun rose, the birds began to sing.
As soon as	As soon as I finish this task, I’ll help you.
Before	Before you leave, make sure to lock the door.
Once	Once you understand the rules, the game is easy.
Since	Since you are here, you can help me with this.
Until	Wait here until I return.
When	When it rains, I like to stay inside.
While	While I was studying, she was watching TV.
Whereas	He is tall, whereas she is short.
Now that	Now that the project is complete, we can relax.
As long as	As long as you study, you will pass the exam.
By the time	By the time we arrived, the show had already started.
In that	The plan is good in that it addresses all the key issues.
Seeing that	Seeing that it is raining, we should stay inside.
So that	We need to leave early so that we arrive on time.
The moment	The moment I saw her, I knew she was special.
Whenever	Whenever I feel stressed, I go for a walk.
Where	Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Whereupon	He signed the document, whereupon the deal was finalized.
If	If it rains, the match will be cancelled.
Because	I am happy because I passed the exam.
Even if	Even if it’s difficult, we should try.

Verbs of Succession Examples

Verbs of succession directly express the act of following or succeeding. They provide a powerful way to describe the order in which events or actions occur.

Here are some examples demonstrating their use in various contexts.

The table below provides sentences using verbs that indicate succession. These verbs directly express the act of following or succeeding, providing a clear indication of the order in which events occur.

The sentences are designed to show these verbs in action, illustrating their effectiveness in describing sequential relationships.

Verb of Succession	Example Sentence
Ensue	A heated debate ensued after the presentation.
Succeed	He will succeed the current CEO next year.
Follow	Darkness will follow the setting sun.
Arise	Problems arise after budget cuts.
Stem	His success stems from hard work and dedication.
Result	The accident resulted in several injuries.
Proceed	We will proceed with the plan as scheduled.
Accompany	The report will accompany the presentation.
Originate	The story originated from a local legend.
Emerge	New challenges emerge as the project progresses.
Supervene	Unexpected circumstances supervened and caused the delay.
Supercede	The new law will supercede the old one.
Postdate	The second document postdates the first one by a week.
Antecede	The economic boom anteceded the recession.
Sequence	The events were carefully sequenced to maximize impact.
Flow	The discussion flowed naturally from one topic to another.
Evolve	The company evolved from a small startup to a global corporation.
Pursue	We will pursue this matter further.
Issue	A statement was issued to the press.
Commence	The work will commence at 8:00 am.
Offshoot	The branch offshooted from the main company.
Precede	A parade will precede the festival.

Gerunds and Participles Examples

Gerunds and participles can be used to express sequence in a more concise and elegant way. They allow you to combine actions and events into a single sentence, creating a smoother flow.

Here are some examples demonstrating their use in various contexts.

Below is a table illustrating the use of gerunds and participles to express sequence. These verbal forms allow for concise and elegant expression of the order in which actions occur.

Each sentence demonstrates how gerunds and participles can effectively combine actions and events into a single, flowing statement.

Gerund/Participle	Example Sentence
Following	Following the presentation, we had a Q&A session.
Having finished	Having finished the report, she took a break.
After completing	After completing the form, submit it to the office.
Upon arriving	Upon arriving at the hotel, we checked in.
Preceding	Preceding the main event, there will be an opening ceremony.
Succeeding	Succeeding the current manager, she will implement new policies.
Having completed	Having completed all the tasks, we celebrated our success.
After considering	After considering all the options, we made a decision.
Prior to leaving	Prior to leaving, make sure to lock all the doors.
Subsequent to signing	Subsequent to signing the contract, the project began.
Resulting in	The heavy rain, resulting in severe flooding, caused many problems.
Leading to	The bad decisions, leading to the company’s bankruptcy, shocked many people.
Being completed	Being completed, the project results were shared with the board.
Having been planned	Having been planned for weeks, the event was a success.
Adhering to	Adhering to the rules, you can play the game.
Beginning with	Beginning with the introduction, the book covers the basics.
Starting from	Starting from today, the new policy will be in effect.
Concluding with	Concluding with a summary, the presentation provided a comprehensive overview.
Proceeding to	Proceeding to the next question, let’s examine the data.
Following up on	Following up on our previous conversation, I am sending you the documents.
Having said that	Having said that, we should move on to the next matter.

Usage Rules

While there are many ways to express sequence, it’s important to follow certain usage rules to ensure clarity and accuracy. The choice of expression depends on the context, the desired level of formality, and the specific temporal relationship you want to convey.

Temporal Adverbs: Temporal adverbs are generally placed at the beginning of a clause or sentence to emphasize the sequence of events. Some adverbs, like “then,” can also be placed after the subject for emphasis. However, overuse of adverbs can make your writing sound repetitive, so it’s important to vary your expressions.

Prepositional Phrases: Prepositional phrases can be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence, depending on the emphasis you want to give. When placed at the beginning, they are often followed by a comma. These phrases are more formal than single-word adverbs and can add a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Conjunctions: Conjunctions connect clauses or sentences, establishing a clear sequential link between them. It’s important to choose the right conjunction to accurately reflect the temporal relationship you want to convey. For example, “after” indicates that one event occurred before another, while “as soon as” indicates that one event occurred immediately after another.

Verbs of Succession: Verbs of succession directly express the act of following or succeeding. These verbs can be used to describe the order in which events or actions occur. Be mindful of the verb tense and subject-verb agreement when using these verbs.

Gerunds and Participles: Gerunds and participles can be used to create concise and elegant sentences that express sequence. When using a present participle (ending in “-ing”), make sure that the action described by the participle is closely related in time to the main verb of the sentence. When using a past participle (ending in “-ed” or “-en”), make sure that the action described by the participle is completed before the action described by the main verb.

Formality: Some expressions are more formal than others. For example, “subsequent to” is more formal than “after that.” Choose your expressions based on the intended audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Common Mistakes

Even experienced writers sometimes make mistakes when expressing sequence. Here are some common errors to avoid:

Overusing “Following By”: Relying too heavily on “following by” can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Make an effort to vary your expressions by using temporal adverbs, prepositional phrases, conjunctions, verbs of succession, and gerunds/participles.

Incorrect Use of Tense: Using the wrong verb tense can distort the temporal relationship you want to convey. For example, saying “After I will finish the report, I will go home” is incorrect. The correct sentence is “After I finish the report, I will go home.”

Misusing Conjunctions: Choosing the wrong conjunction can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. For example, using “since” when you mean “because” can change the meaning of the sentence.

Dangling Participles: A dangling participle is a participle phrase that doesn’t clearly modify the subject of the sentence. For example, “Having finished the report, the break was enjoyable” is incorrect because it implies that the break finished the report. The correct sentence is “Having finished the report, I enjoyed the break.”

Incorrect Word Order: Placing temporal adverbs or prepositional phrases in the wrong position can make your writing sound awkward or unclear. For example, saying “I then went to the store” is less natural than “Then, I went to the store.”

Here is a table with examples of common errors and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct
Following by, I went to the store.	After that, I went to the store.
After I will finish, I will go.	After I finish, I will go.
Since it rained, I stayed inside because I was tired.	Because it rained, I stayed inside.
Having finished the report, the movie was great.	Having finished the report, I watched a great movie.
I then went to the park after.	Then, I went to the park afterward.

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of the different ways to express sequence, complete the following exercises. These exercises will test your ability to use temporal adverbs, prepositional phrases, conjunctions, verbs of succession, and gerunds/participles correctly in various contexts.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate expression of sequence from the list provided. Choose from: then, after that, before, as soon as, subsequently.

Question	Answer
1. We reviewed the data; __________, we drew our conclusions.	then
2. I will call you __________ I arrive at the airport.	as soon as
3. __________ the meeting, we went out for lunch.	After that
4. __________ you leave, please turn off the lights.	Before
5. The company faced financial difficulties; __________, it filed for bankruptcy.	subsequently
6. I finished my homework, __________ I watched TV.	then
7. __________ eating dinner, we went for a walk.	After that
8. __________ the rain started, we went inside.	as soon as
9. __________ the presentation, we had a Q&A session.	After that
10. __________ the show begins, please turn off your cell phones.	Before

Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation

Rewrite the following sentences using a different expression of sequence while maintaining the original meaning. Replace “following by” or any similar phrase with a more varied alternative.

Original Sentence	Rewritten Sentence
Following by the rain, the sun came out.	After the rain, the sun came out.
We finished the meeting, following by lunch.	After the meeting, we had lunch.
Following by the concert, we went home.	After the concert, we went home.
We submitted the report, following by a presentation.	After submitting the report, we gave a presentation.
Following by the storm, the roads were flooded.	In the wake of the storm, the roads were flooded.
First, we gather data, following by analysis.	First, we gather data; then, we analyze it.
She studied hard, following by passing the exam.	She studied hard, and as a result, she passed the exam.
He woke up, following by having breakfast.	He woke up and then had breakfast.
The company launched the product, following by a marketing campaign.	The company launched the product and subsequently launched a marketing campaign.
Following by the announcement, there was a celebration.	After the announcement, there was a celebration.

Exercise

3: Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences related to the expression of sequence.

Incorrect Sentence	Corrected Sentence
Following by I ate breakfast, I went to work.	After eating breakfast, I went to work.
After I will finish the task, I will leave.	After I finish the task, I will leave.
Then, I went to the store after that I went home.	Then, I went to the store; after that, I went home.
Having finished the work, the movie was enjoyable.	Having finished the work, I enjoyed the movie.
Subsequent to, the investigation was launched.	Subsequently, the investigation was launched.
Before then, I will submit it.	Before then, I have to submit it.
As soon as I will arrive, I call you.	As soon as I arrive, I will call you.
After that, I finished the report, then I took a break.	After that, I finished the report; then, I took a break.
Since I am here, because I want to help.	Since I am here, I want to help.
In the wake of, the cleanup began.	In the wake of the storm, the cleanup began.

Advanced Topics

For those seeking a deeper understanding of sequential expressions, there are several advanced topics to explore. These topics delve into the nuances of temporal relationships, the subtle differences between seemingly synonymous expressions, and the stylistic considerations that influence expression choice.

Nuances of Temporal Relationships: Explore the subtle differences between expressing immediate succession, delayed succession, and simultaneous occurrence. Consider how the choice of expression can affect the reader’s perception of the timing and causality of events.

Synonym Analysis: Investigate the nuances of seemingly synonymous expressions. For example, what are the subtle differences between “subsequently,” “thereafter,” and “afterward”? How do these differences affect the tone and clarity of your writing?

Stylistic Considerations: Examine the stylistic considerations that influence expression choice. How does the intended audience, the purpose of the writing, and the overall tone affect your selection of sequential expressions?

Cross-Linguistic Comparisons: Compare how different languages express sequence. Are there any unique grammatical structures or idiomatic expressions that convey temporal relationships? How do these differences reflect cultural perspectives on time and causality?

Literary Applications: Analyze how authors use sequential expressions to create specific effects in their writing. How do they use temporal adverbs, prepositional phrases, conjunctions, verbs of succession, and gerunds/participles to control the pacing, build suspense, and reveal character?

FAQ

Conclusion

By mastering the diverse ways to express sequence, you can significantly enhance the clarity, sophistication, and engagement of your writing and speech. While “following by” is a common phrase, it’s essential to expand your linguistic repertoire to include temporal adverbs, prepositional phrases, conjunctions, verbs of succession, and gerunds/participles.

Each of these categories offers unique nuances and stylistic possibilities, allowing you to convey temporal relationships with greater precision and impact.

Remember to consider the context, formality, and intended audience when choosing your expressions. Avoid common mistakes such as overusing “following by,” misusing tenses and conjunctions, and creating dangling participles.

By following the usage rules and practicing the exercises in this guide, you can confidently express sequence in a variety of contexts, adding depth and sophistication to your communication skills. Continue to explore advanced topics and analyze the writing of others to further refine your understanding and mastery of sequential expressions.

With dedication and practice, you can become a more effective and articulate communicator.