Linking Signals for Listing and Adding

Another linking signal category of words and phrases is the one indicating listing and adding to an on-going communication. This can also be done in a number of ways, the most common being:

- By using adverbs: first (firstly), second(ly), next, last(ly) (or finally) 

- Or phrases such as: to begin with, in the second place, to conclude

- And other adverbials: also, moreover, furthermore, what is more 

"Several causes for the flu epidemic were given to the health and safety inspectors. To begin with, the building was too cold during the winter months. Secondly, people didn’t have sufficient fuel to burn while they were at home. Not enough nourishing food, moreover, was another cause for their low immune system level… And to conclude, they were passing a cold from one to another, within the constraints of the small apartments they were living in."

We find this choice of words mostly in formal, written communication.

On the other hand, in spoken debate or a discussion, we could also find expressions like: ”And another thing…” and “I might add…”.

Test your knowledge

Please add your examples of listing the steps of a process in the spaces available below, following the examples given.

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A.i) Write a description of a process you'd need to explain to another person and use the adverbial linking signals 'first, second, next and last/finally' to enumerate the steps of the process. E.g.: "To boil a hard egg you need to: first, select the egg(s) you wish to consume; second, dip the egg(s) into a pot of cold water; next, bring the pot of water to boil; finally, when the water starts to boil, count for an exact timing of 5 minutes and take the egg(s) out – they are ready to be consumed, either cold or after you cool them in cold water for a while.”
A.ii) Write the process of sending an email, using the same adverbial linking signals 'first, second, next and last/finally' to enumerate the steps of the process.
B.i) Write the steps of another process, using phrases such as 'to begin with, in the second place, to conclude' to enumerate the steps of the process. E.g.: "For a well-structured essay, you need to begin with a crystal clear introduction including your thesis statement. In the second place, you need to expand on your thesis statement within at least 2 or 3 paragraphs, including the supporting evidence for the statement you made in the introduction. To conclude, you will need to summarise the information in your essay in the last paragraph. Be careful to avoid too much repetition.
B.ii) Write the process of growing a plant from the seed, using the same phrases 'to begin with, in the second place, to conclude' to enumerate the steps.