First, Then, Finally
A story needs a first thing, a next thing and a last thing.
How It Works
| Latin | Meaning |
|---|---|
| primum | first |
| deinde | then, next |
| tum | then, at that time |
| postea | afterwards |
| denique | finally, at last |
| subito | suddenly |
A short list of events starts with primum and ends with denique, with deinde or tum between them. Tum is shorter than deinde and means much the same.
Primum is also a neuter form of primus, which is why it is the word for first in time: Primum Marcus venit says that Marcus comes first.
These words usually stand at the start of the sentence or clause they order.
Subito often follows a calm scene: Pueri ludunt; subito Marcus clamat (The boys play; suddenly Marcus shouts).
Examples (5)
- Primum Marcus venit, deinde Iulia.
First Marcus comes, then Iulia.
Primum and deinde put the two arrivals in order.
- Postea puella ianuam aperit.
Afterwards the girl opens the door.
Postea says that this happens after the earlier event.
- Subito Marcus clamat.
Suddenly Marcus shouts.
Subito adds a surprise.
- Tum Livia quoque venit; denique omnes laeti sunt.
Then Livia comes too; finally everyone is happy.
Tum carries the story on, and denique closes it.
- Primum Deum laudamus, deinde pro populo oramus.
First we praise God, then we pray for the people.
Primum and deinde order the two prayers.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Sequence words are adverbs of time.
Related Patterns
- First, Second, Third: primus, secundus, tertiusFirst, Second, Third
The numbers that count the order.
Level 3 - dum, ubi, postquam, cum (When, While, After)When, While, After
Words that join one event to the next.
Level 3 - et (And)And
The plain word for and.
Level 1 - quoque / etiam (Also, Even)Also and Even
Words that add something.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice First, Then, Finally in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Latin lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
