Expressing Sequential Action

4) Expressing Sequential Action:

Express sequential action by creating a simple compound sentence. Do this by adding the word then after the comma and coordinating conjunction that combine the two complete sentences.

For example—

The sunlight fades, and then the mosquitoes arrive.

Note that the word then cannot function as any kind of conjunction. Then is an adverb, so it must be used after a coordinating conjunction when combining sentences.

Certain preposition, such as after, can also allow a writer to clearly express sequential action.

For example—

After the sunlight fades, the mosquitoes arrive.

Or—

The mosquitoes arrive after the sunlight fades.

This option turns one half of the sentences into a prepositional phrase, a type of dependent clause. This method of expression shifts emphasis to the other half of the sentence, the independent half. In this case, the arrival of the mosquitoes is then emphasized.

Similarly—

Jack waxes his board after he arrives at the beach.

Or—

After he arrives at the beach, Jack waxes his board.

Both sentences communicate sequential action, and both emphasize the waxing of the surfboard by expressing the arrival at the beach as a prepositional phrase, a type of dependent clause.