Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.

⏱️ Grammar Focus • C1

Time and sequence phrases in formal writing

Learn how to use formal time and sequence expressions when describing project timelines and updates.

💡 How to use this lesson

👩‍🏫 For Teachers:

Use this 12-minute module to review formal time phrases.

Check answers together after students finish the 12 items.

👨‍🎓 For Learners:

Read the 4 simple rule boxes first.

Then complete the 12 practice questions from easy to hard.

Pattern example: "At the outset, nobody expected the new line to take twice as long to build."

📋

Grammar Rules & Usage

at the outset vs in the long run

The phrase at the outset means at the very beginning of something. The phrase in the long run means after a long time, when the final result can be seen. Both usually stand at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma.

📌 At the outset, nobody on the committee thought the line would be so hard to build.

📌 In the long run, approving this project blueprint will save millions in transport costs.

for the time being vs in the meantime

The phrase for the time being means for now, until something changes, and it describes a temporary arrangement. The phrase in the meantime means while we wait for something else to happen, so it connects two actions.

📌 The old station will stay open for the time being.

📌 Workers are clearing the groundwork; in the meantime, ferries will carry passengers.

in due course vs ahead of schedule

The phrase in due course means at the proper time later, when the normal steps are finished, and it sounds formal and polite. The phrase ahead of schedule means earlier than planned, and its opposite is behind schedule.

📌 The council will publish the final costs in due course.

📌 The team completed the subway milestone ahead of schedule.

in the wake of vs as yet

The phrase in the wake of is followed by a noun and means soon after, and often because of, an event. The phrase as yet means up to now and is used mostly in a negative sentence or a question, and it sounds formal.

📌 In the wake of the floods, the council paused all work on the road.

📌 The feasibility report has as yet revealed no major flaws.

Interactive Practice Items

Complete all 12 items from easy to hard.

🎯 Part 1: Choose the correct option

1. Select the phrase that correctly completes the sentence.

(beginning)

"___, before any work began, the team realized the subway blueprint contained several structural mistakes."

____ At the outset ____ In the long run ____ In due course ____ Ahead of schedule

2. Select the phrase that completes the sentence.

(early)

"The engineers finished laying the groundwork two weeks ___, so the next team could start early."

____ behind schedule ____ ahead of schedule ____ for the time being ____ in the wake of

3. Choose the phrase that correctly completes this negative sentence.

(until now)

"The engineers have ___ found no cost overrun in the tunnel plan."

____ in due course ____ in the wake of ____ as yet ____ for the time being

✍️ Part 2: Sentence rewrite

4. Rewrite the sentence using a formal time phrase.

(while waiting)

Original: "The main airport terminal will open next year; until then buses will carry the passengers."

The main airport terminal will open next year; ____ buses will carry the passengers.

5. Rewrite the sentence using the correct formal sequence phrase.

(after)

Original: "Soon after the severe storm, the mayor decided to postpone the highway expansion."

____ the severe storm, the mayor decided to postpone the highway expansion.

6. Rewrite the sentence using a phrase that describes a temporary setup.

(for now)

Original: "The city council will shelve the stadium expansion for now."

The city council will shelve the stadium expansion ____

✏️ Part 3: Fill in the gaps

7. Type the phrase that fits the proper process timing.

(later)

"The committee will inaugurate the new rail line once all the safety checks are finished, and it will name the opening date ____"

8. Type the phrase that introduces the very start of the project.

(start)

"____, the chief engineer warned that traffic bottlenecks would obstruct deliveries and delay construction."

9. Type the phrase that looks at the final result after many years.

(years)

"The tunnel costs a lot today, but it will save the city money ____"

💬 Part 4: Correct the error in a text message

10. Fix the mistaken phrase in your colleague's update message.

(after)

📩 Message from Alex

"Hey! In the meantime of the recent bridge failure, all heavy transport is strictly prohibited on Main Street."

Which phrase should replace the underlined mistake?

____ In due course ____ At the outset ____ In the wake of ____ For the time being

11. Fix the error in this negative progress update.

(negative)

📩 Message from Sam

"Hi! The audit team has ahead of schedule found no evidence of budget overrun on the rail project."

Which phrase best replaces the underlined error in a negative sentence?

____ in due course ____ as yet ____ for the time being ____ in the long run

12. Correct the wrongly chosen time expression in this team message.

(temporary)

📩 Message from Jordan

"Quick note: We decided to shelve the highway extension in the long run while we secure extra funding."

Which phrase should replace 'in the long run' to show the arrangement is temporary?

____ in the wake of ____ in due course ____ at the outset ____ for the time being

Time and sequence phrases in formal writing

Time and sequence phrases in formal writing

💡 How to use this lesson

Grammar Rules & Usage

Interactive Practice Items

Related lessons

Class activity: Harbour Link Press Office (C1 Infrastructure Simulation)

IELTS Speaking: Infrastructure and Megaprojects

C1 Vocabulary: Infrastructure, Megaprojects and Delays

IELTS Academic Writing: Infrastructure and Megaprojects

Inversion and Cleft Sentences

Mixed Conditionals: Past Condition, Present Result