second

(linking-words)

Found 14 stronger alternatives to upgrade your writing.

after that

Order in a list

T1

Nuance: Following step

Good for step-by-step writing.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

After that, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

next

Order in a list

T1

Nuance: Next point

Simple and clear.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

Next, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

secondly

Order in a list

T1

Nuance: Second point

Very common in essays.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

Secondly, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

step two

Procedure (steps)

T1

Nuance: Step

Works for numbered directions.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

Step two: gather evidence from reliable sources.

the next step is

Procedure (steps)

T1

Nuance: Step

Clear for instructions.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

The next step is to gather evidence from reliable sources.

then

Order in a list

T1

Nuance: Next action

Common, especially in narratives.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

Then, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

afterward

Sequence (slightly formal)

T2

Nuance: Next step

Similar to then; a bit more formal.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

Afterward, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

another important point is

List (emphasis)

T2

Nuance: Emphasis

Use when you want emphasis, not just order.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

Another important point is that we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

moving on

Transition (list)

T2

Nuance: Shift

Good for speeches/presentations.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

Moving on, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

as a follow-up

Sequence (project work)

T3

Nuance: Follow-up action

Good for projects and emails.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

As a follow-up, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

at that stage

Sequence (moment)

T3

Nuance: Point in time

Good for explaining a process.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

At that stage, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

in the next phase

Sequence (formal)

T3

Nuance: Phase

Works well for long projects.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

In the next phase, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

subsequently

Sequence (formal)

T3

Nuance: Later in sequence

Formal; good in reports.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

Subsequently, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

thereafter

Sequence (formal)

T3

Nuance: After that

Very formal; use sparingly.

Boring

Second, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.

Better

Thereafter, we gathered evidence from reliable sources.