Time Sequencers and Connectors

• We use time sequencers and connectors to show the order of events and the reasons for things happening on the road. They help us tell a clear story when a truck has a problem.
• Connector
• Function
• Example
• First / Then
• Show order of actions
• First, the driver stopped. Then, he called dispatch.
• When / While
• Show time of an action
• He called when the tire blew. He was waiting while it snowed.
• So / Because
• Show cause and effect
• The truck stopped because it had an engine problem. It was cold, so he stayed inside.
• Although
• Show a contrast
• He arrived on time although the weather was bad.
• Remember
• Use 'first' and 'then' to list steps in order.
• Use 'because' to give a reason and 'so' to give a result.
• Use 'although' to join two opposite ideas.
• Use 'when' for a short action and 'while' for a longer action in the past.
• Examples
• First, Mark checked the engine.
• He called dispatch because he had a flat tire.
• Although it was snowing in Chicago, the tow truck arrived quickly.
• Common mistakes
• He stopped because the truck breakdown.
• He stopped because the truck broke down.
• Although he was cold, but he waited outside.
• Although he was cold, he waited outside.

Complete the sentences

• Mark turned on his hazard lights (because) ____ he had a flat tire on I-80.
• (First) ____ , the driver called the fleet manager in Denver.
• He was waiting for the mechanic (while) ____ it started to snow.
• The engine was making a strange sound, (so) ____ Kevin pulled over on the shoulder.
• The tow truck arrived quickly (although) ____ there was heavy traffic near Boston.
• Brian called roadside assistance (when) ____ he saw the warning light.

Sources: photo by betül nur akyürek on Pexels