DESCRIBING PROCESSES
Tenses
Generally, the Present Simple is used to describe process actions
Present Perfect may also be used to signify the completion of a stage
Passive vs Active Form
For describing natural processes, such as formation of clouds, rain, erosion, etc., active forms are generally used/
For artificial (man-made) processes passive forms are preferable
The diagram/picture/chart shows/illustrates/describes/depicts the process of/how…
Purpose
X is used to /inf/
The role of X is to /inf/
The X allows Y to /inf/
The X prevents (stops, protects) Y from /-ing/
step
stage
phase
Words to Describe a Cycle or Repetition
Nouns
- Cycle
- Repetition
- Repeats
- Loops
- Continues indefinitely
- Recurs
- Adjectives
- Cyclical
- Repetitious
The first stage
• Initially
• At first
• To start with
• First of all
• Firstly
The first stage is when…
The process starts/ commences when …
Middle stages
Next
Then
After this/that …
Following this/that …
In the stage that follows, …
This is followed by /noun/
When/After/Once X is /past participle/, Y is /past participle/
At the same time, / Meanwhile, Simultaneously, / Alternatively,
Last stage
Finally
Ultimately
The last/final stage is when
The process ends with