Sequence Adverbs

We use the sequence adverbs "first", "next", "then" and "finally" to describe the order in which two or more actions happen.

Example:

• Making an omelette 
  "First, I break the eggs. Then, I heat the butter in a pan. Next, I add the eggs. Finally, I eat the omelette with toast."

We use a comma after "first", "next", "then" and "finally" when they introduce the sentence that describes the action. 

• "first": for an action that happens before any others. We can also use "first" at the end of the sentence.
• "I have a lot of work to do. First, I will make a cup of tea."
• "I will make a cup of tea first."

• "next" and "then" can both be used for an action that happens after another action but we usually use:
  • "next": for an action that happens immediately after another action, or as soon as possible. We can also use "next" at the end of the sentence.
    • "I went to Bolivia on holiday. "Next", I want to go to Brazil."
    • "I’m eating breakfast now. I will clean the kitchen "next"."
  • "then": for an action that happens after another action if it’s not immediate. We can use "and then" without a comma.
    • "Sarah is doing her degree. Then, she wants to be a lawyer." 
      Sarah will probably not be a lawyer immediately after she gets her degree.
    • "They went shopping in the morning and then they went to the zoo." 
      We don’t know if they went to the zoo immediately after they went shopping.
• "finally": for the action that happens at the end, after any others, or after a long time. We can use "finally" before the verb without a comma.
• "I worked all evening. Finally, I went to bed at 11pm."
• "I worked all evening and I finally went to bed at 11pm."
• "After five years, I finally sold the house."

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Reinforces what was learned:

https://www.businessenglish.com/grammar/sequence-adverbs.html?lang=eng

References:

https://www.businessenglish.com/grammar/sequence-adverbs.html?lang=eng