Alphabetical order means arranging words based on the order of the letters in the alphabet, from A to Z.
Think of the alphabet song: A, B, C, D... This is the order you follow when organizing words.
To alphabetize words, compare the letters starting from the left. If the first letters are the same, move to the next letter until you find a difference.
If two words are exactly the same, list them in the order given. The rule only matters when letters are different.
Look carefully at the first letter of each word. If they match, check the next letter. Continue until you know which word comes first.
Be patient. Sometimes you need to look at the second, third, or even fourth letter to decide.
Alphabetical order helps us find and organize information quickly in dictionaries, glossaries, indexes, and word lists.
Practicing alphabetical order builds strong reference and vocabulary skills that help in reading and writing.
Use strategies to make alphabetizing easier and faster.
With practice, alphabetizing will become automatic and easier to do quickly.