What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sequential
Example
The instructions for assembling the furniture were sequential and easy to follow. [sequential: adjective]
Example
The novel was written in a sequential manner, with each chapter following the next in chronological order. [sequential: adverb]
ordered
Example
The books on the shelf were ordered alphabetically by author's last name. [ordered: adjective]
Example
The teacher gave the students an ordered list of tasks to complete for their project. [ordered: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ordered is more commonly used than sequential in everyday language. Ordered is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sequential is less common and is typically used in more technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sequential and ordered?
Both sequential and ordered are relatively formal words, but ordered may be slightly more formal due to its association with lists and organization.
