Time Sequencers and Connectors

• We use time sequencers and connectors to link events in a medical history. They help us show order, cause, and contrast clearly.
• Connector
• Function
• Example
• First
• Shows the start
• First, I washed my hands.
• Then
• Shows the next step
• Then, I asked about the pain.
• When
• Shows time of an action
• When the patient arrived, she sat down.
• While
• Shows simultaneous actions
• While I was listening, the nurse took notes.
• So
• Shows result or effect
• The wound was deep, so I stitched it.
• Because
• Shows reason
• She took medicine because her head hurt.
• Although
• Shows contrast
• Although he was tired, he finished his shift.
• Remember
• Use 'first' and 'then' to list steps in order.
• Use 'when' and 'while' to connect actions happening at specific times.
• Use 'so' and 'because' to explain cause and effect.
• Use 'although' to join contrasting ideas.
• Examples
• First, Dr. Miller checked the chart.
• He smiled because the patient felt better.
• Although it was late, the resident stayed in the clinic.
• Common mistakes
• She was coughing because got a fever.
• She was coughing because she got a fever.

Complete the sentences

• (first) ____ , Dr. Davis introduced himself to the patient in Boston.
• The patient felt dizzy (when) ____ she stood up in the Chicago clinic.
• He checked the lungs (while) ____ the nurse wrote notes.
• The child had a high temperature, (so) ____ the mother brought him to Boston General Hospital.
• The doctor gave her a prescription (because) ____ she had a severe cough.
• (although) ____ the pain was mild, the man went to see his family doctor.

Sources: photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels