Telling a story: first, then, next, finally

Short answer: Order words show the order of the steps in a story or a process: first, then, next, after that, finally. Put a comma after each one. Keep the whole story in the same tense, usually the past. Start with First and end with Finally so the reader can follow every step.

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At a glance

In short

• First, then, next, after that, finally: the order of the steps.
• Put a comma after the order word.
• Keep the whole story in the past.

What is the rule for “Telling a story: first, then, next, finally”?

The rule

First, then, next, after that and finally show the order. Each one takes a comma.

How it looks

First, … Then, … Next, … After that, … Finally, …

What it means

They tell which step comes first, second, third and last.

When to use it

Use them to tell what happened in order.

How it works

• Plan the steps in the order they happened.
• Start each step with an order word and a comma.
• Use the same tense for every step. For a story, use the past.
• Use different order words so you do not repeat then again and again.

Examples of “Telling a story: first, then, next, finally”

• First, we visited the old town.
  The first step.
• Then, we ate noodles.
  The next step.
• After that, we saw a boat.
  After that: the step after.
• Finally, we went home.
  The last step.
• First, I got up at six.
  First starts the story.
• Next, I made breakfast.
  Next shows the second step.
• After that, I walked to school.
  After that adds the following step.
• Finally, I arrived at class.
  Finally ends the story.

Common mistakes with “Telling a story: first, then, next, finally”

• First, Pip wake up. Then he went. → First, Pip woke up. Then he went.
  Keep every step in the past.
• Finally, everyone were happy. → Finally, everyone was happy.
  everyone takes was.
• Then he ate his breakfast → Then, he ate his breakfast.
  Put a comma after the order word.
• After that we was tired. → After that, we were tired.
  we goes with were, and the order word takes a comma.
• Finally, then, we went home. → Finally, we went home.
  Use one order word for each step, not two.

Exceptions: watch out

• everyone
  everyone and everybody are one word for many people, but they take one verb: Everyone was happy.

Order words for a story and for instructions

You can use the same words in a recipe or a set of instructions. In instructions, use the present or the imperative, not the past.

See also: Sit down! Let's play! Instructions and Let's

Check yourself

1. Which word starts a story?
   Show the answer

   First First shows the beginning.

2. Which word ends a story?
   Show the answer

   Finally Finally shows the last step.

3. Fix: “Then he ate.”
   Show the answer

   Then, he ate. Put a comma after Then.

How to practice “Telling a story: first, then, next, finally”

The interactive version adds step-by-step help, spoken instructions and a quick check. One rule card, one sound lesson and the first lesson of every stone are free to try; the rest is part of Full Access. See Full Access.

• Practice lesson: Telling a story: first, then, next, finally

Questions

Do I need a comma after “then”?

Usually yes at the start of a sentence: Then, we ate. In short sentences many writers leave it out, but a comma is always safe.

Can I use “at last”?

Yes, but at last often means after a long wait. Finally is more neutral.

How many order words should I use?

Use one for each main step, but vary them. Do not use five thens in a row.

More Grammar in Context rules

• The best: comparing three or more: To say which one is number one, use the + -est, or the most for long words.
• Future: will and won't: will talks about the future. After will, use the plain action word.
• Plans: am / is / are going to: Use am, is or are + going to + the plain action word for plans, and for things we can see coming.
• when and if: when tells the time. if tells what must happen first. After if, use the present for the future.
• Polite talk: Can I …? Would you like …?: Ask with Can I have … , please? Offer with Would you like …? Answer with Yes, please or No, thank you.
• always, usually, sometimes, never: Words like always and never tell how often. They go before the action word but after am / is / are.

Used in these writing topics

• Connected sentences: narrative
• Narrative paragraphs
• Narrative essays

Part of the 📘 Grammar tool. Level G4: Grammar in Context. Đọc bằng tiếng Việt.

Written for English learners by the English for Fun team. How we write our lessons · Last updated 2026-11-05.

Reviewed by Chinh Q. Hoang, PhD, founder, English for Fun · 2026-10-30

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