In explanatory writing what are spatial words. (vs. time order words)?

spatial: left, right, ahead, behind, above, below, ....

time order: before, after, first, second, ...

notice there could be ambiguity in some: first, second, etc could describe time or spatial order, it would have to clarified, as...

the first in the line was....the second was...

The first to occur was...

Bobpursley gave a good answer. Some words can fit into more than one category. To decide to which category the words belong, decide if the word answers the question WHEN (time) or WHERE (spatial).

My car is FIRST in line (spatial)--tells WHERE your car is. My car is the FIRST one I bought by myself (TIME)--tells WHEN.

Spatial words, also known as spatial order words or spatial transition words, are used in explanatory writing to describe the arrangement of objects, places, or events in space or in relation to one another. They help readers understand the physical layout or positioning of things being discussed.

Examples of spatial words include:

1. Above: Indicates something is higher than another object or point.
Example: The picture frame hangs above the fireplace.

2. Below: Indicates something is lower or situated beneath another object or point.
Example: The basement is located below the main living area.

3. Next to: Indicates that two objects or points are located side by side or in close proximity.
Example: The coffee table is next to the sofa.

4. Behind: Indicates an object or point is located at the back or rear of another object.
Example: The tree is behind the house.

5. In front of: Indicates an object or point is positioned ahead or in the front of another object.
Example: The car is parked in front of the store.

6. Beside: Similar to "next to," it indicates that two objects or points are located adjacent to one another.
Example: The playground is beside the school.

7. Across from: Indicates something is positioned directly opposite or facing another object or point.
Example: The park is across from the library.

Spatial words are different from time order words, which are used to describe the sequence or chronological order of events. Time order words include "first," "second," "then," "finally," "next," "before," and "after," among others. Spatial words, on the other hand, focus on the spatial relationships between objects or places rather than the progression of time.