Scribd
Upload
437 views

Sequential and Simultaneous

Sequential and simultaneous past actions can be described using transition words. Sequencing refers to the order events happened and is indicated using words like "then", "after that", and "next". Simultaneous actions that occurred at the same time can be connected using words like "as", "when", or "while". Both sequential and simultaneous descriptions help make a story or account of past events easier to follow.

Uploaded by

Alex Criollo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
437 views

Sequential and Simultaneous

Sequential and simultaneous past actions can be described using transition words. Sequencing refers to the order events happened and is indicated using words like "then", "after that", and "next". Simultaneous actions that occurred at the same time can be connected using words like "as", "when", or "while". Both sequential and simultaneous descriptions help make a story or account of past events easier to follow.

Uploaded by

Alex Criollo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 16

SEQUENTIAL AND SIMULTANEOUS PAST

ACTIONS

LEVEL 6

Zanna Robalino, USFQ


• Continuing the story
Sequencing refers • Then,
to the order in • After that,
which events happ • Next,
ened. Sequencing
• As soon as / When + full clause,
 is often made
easier by the use • ...but then.
of transition words. • Immediately,
• Talking about last weekend to a friend.
• Giving details about something that
happened during a job interview.
GROUP • Relating information about your family
WORK to your children.
• Telling colleagues about what
happened on a business trip
EXAMPLE PASSAGE: A Conference in
Chicago

Last week, I visited Chicago to attend a business conference. While I was there, I


decided to visit the Art Institute of Chicago. To start off, my flight was
delayed. Next, the airline lost my luggage, so I had to wait for two hours at the
airport while they tracked it down. Unexpectedly, the luggage had been set aside
and forgotten.

As soon as they found my luggage, I found a taxi and rode into town. During the ride
into town, the driver told me about his last visit to the Art Institute. After I had arrived
safely, everything began to go smoothly. The business conference was very interesting,
and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the institute. Finally, I caught my flight back to
Seattle.
Luckily, everything went smoothly. I arrived home just in time to kiss my daughter
goodnight.
• Create the beginning of your story with
these expressions. Use a comma after
Beginning the introductory phrase.
• First of all,
your story • To start off with,
• Initially,
• To begin with,
• To begin with, I began my education in
Examples of London.
these beginning • First of all, I opened the cupboard.
phrases in use • To start off with, we decided our
include: destination was New York.
• Initially, I thought it was a bad idea.
• You can continue the story with the
following expressions, or use a time
clause beginning with "as soon as" or
"after." When using a time clause, use
the past simple after the time
Continuing expression, such as:
• Then,
the story • After that,
• Next,
• As soon as / When + full clause,
• ...but then
• Immediately,
• Then, I started to get worried.
• After that, we knew that there would
be no problem!
Examples of • Next, we decided on our strategy.
using these • As soon as we arrived, we unpacked
our bags.
continuing • We were sure everything was ready,
phrases in a but then we discovered some
story include: unexpected problems.
• Immediately, I telephoned my friend
Tom.
Interruptions You can use the following expressions to
and Adding add suspense to your story:
New Elements • Suddenly,
• Unexpectedly,
to the Story
Examples of
• Suddenly, a child burst into the room
using these with a note for Ms. Smith.
interrupting • Unexpectedly, the people in the room
phrases or didn't agree with the mayor.
turning to a new
element include:
Mark the end of your story with these
Ending the introductory phrases:
• Finally,
Story • In the end,
• Eventually,
• Finally, I flew to London for my meeting
Examples of with Jack.
using these • In the end, he decided to postpone the
ending words project.
• Eventually, we became tired and
in a story returned home.
include:
• To talk about actions or situations that take place
at the same time, we can use as, when or while.
• All three words can be used to introduce longer
background actions that are/were going on when
something else happens/happened.
• The telephone rang when I was having a bath.
Simultane • While they were watching TV, thieves broke into

ous events
the house.
• As I was reading the paper, I heard a loud noise.
• As-clauses usually go at the
beginning. When and while-clauses can go at the
beginning or end of sentences.
• We usually use a continuous tense for the longer
background action. But note
that as and while can also be used with simple
tenses.
• To talk about longer actions that go on
at the same time we use while. Note
that both continuous and simple tenses
can be used with while.
• While Susie cleaned the floor, Alice
Simultane washed the clothes.
• While Jane was reading, I was working
ous long in the garden
actions
As can be used with simple tenses to talk
about two situations which change
together.
• As you get older you get wiser.
• To talk about two short actions that
Simultane happen/happened at the same time,
we use as or just as.
ous short • As I opened my eyes I saw a strange
actions sight.
video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtfsV6827vw

You might also like