Linking Words and Phrases for Time

Clear organisation is one of the key things Cambridge examiners look for in both writing and speaking. One simple but powerful way to improve coherence is by using linking words and phrases for time correctly.

These expressions help you show when events happen, how actions are related in time, and how ideas develop logically. They are especially useful in essays, reports, reviews, and narratives at B2 First and C1 Advanced level, where clarity and structure matter just as much as accuracy.

In this lesson, you’ll find 28 essential linking words and phrases for time, each with a clear meaning and a natural example sentence. Learning to use these connectors confidently will help your writing flow more smoothly and make your spoken answers easier to follow — exactly what examiners reward.

Linking word or phrase	Meaning	Example sentence
Before	earlier than the time when.	She finished her homework before* dinner.*
After	later than the time when.	We went for a walk after* lunch.*
During	at the same time as.	She was reading during* the movie.*
While	at the same time.	He listened to music while* studying.*
When	at the time that.	She called me when* she arrived.*
Since	from a specific time in the past until now.	I have been here since* this morning.*
Until	up to the point in time or the event mentioned.	We waited until* the rain stopped.*
As soon as	immediately at or shortly after the time that.	Call me as soon as* you get home.*
By the time	not later than the time when.	By the time he arrived, the meeting was over.
Once	as soon as.	Once you finish, we can leave.
Whenever	at any time when.	She visits us whenever* she’s in town.*
Now that	because of a new situation.	Now that I’ve finished my work, I can relax.
Then	at that time; afterwards.	Finish your meal, and then* you can have dessert.*
Meanwhile	at the same time.	She was cooking, and meanwhile, he was setting the table.
In the meantime	during the intervening time.	They will arrive soon. In the meantime, let’s prepare the room.
Previously	at an earlier time.	She had previously* lived in New York.*
For	indicate the duration of time something takes place or continues.	He has been working here for* five years.*
Formerly	in the past; in an earlier period.	He was formerly* a teacher before becoming a writer.*
Lately	in the recent past.	I’ve been very busy lately.
Recently	not long ago.	She has recently* started a new job.*
Initially	at first.	Initially, he was hesitant to join the team.
Subsequently	after a particular thing has happened.	He graduated and subsequently* moved to London.*
Eventually	in the end, especially after a long time.	They eventually* agreed on a solution.*
Finally	After a long time, typically involving difficulty or delay.	She finally found her lost keys.
Soon	in the near future.	He will arrive soon.
Shortly	in a short time; soon.	The movie will start shortly.
At the same time	simultaneously.	They spoke at the same time* and couldn’t hear each other.*
Later	at a time in the future; afterwards.	I’ll call you later.

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Linking Words and Phrases for Time

Published by My Lingua Academy on 19 Feb 202519 Feb 2025