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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
As then
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"as then" is not a grammatically correct phrase, and it is not usually used in written English.
A more common phrase is "as before." For example, "I still haven't heard back from them, as before."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
As, then and thus, (B.3).
If as, then as.
Suppose that as, then.
Moreover, as, then, and, thus,.
Denote the QR decomposition of as, then.
Thus, if as, then we have (2.6).
If As, then there exist constants (4.15).
Science
As then, Sam Mendes will direct.
News & Media
As then, it all ended happily.
News & Media
As then, armed soldiers clashed with anti-government demonstrators.
News & Media
Now as then, democracy requires courage.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When aiming for clarity, consider replacing "As then" with more explicit temporal markers like "At that time" or "Back then" to ensure precise communication.
Common error
Avoid using "As then" in formal writing or professional communication, as it can sound awkward. Opt for alternatives such as "Subsequently" or "Thereafter" for a more polished tone.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "As then" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, attempting to specify a point in time or sequence of events. However, as Ludwig AI notes, it's not grammatically correct and may be better replaced with clearer alternatives.
Frequent in
News & Media
75%
Science
25%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while "As then" is occasionally used, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal English. Ludwig AI points out that clearer alternatives such as "at that time" or "back then" are preferred for better clarity and precision. Its main purpose is to establish a temporal relationship, but its questioned correctness suggests using it carefully, mainly in informal contexts. Authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times provide some examples, but these should be viewed with the understanding that better alternatives often exist.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
At that time
Emphasizes a specific point in the past, differing slightly in formality.
Back then
Highlights a time in the past, carrying a more informal tone.
In those days
Refers to a period in the past, sounding more nostalgic.
At that point
Indicates a specific moment, focusing on the sequence of events.
During that era
Refers to a longer span of time, more suitable for historical contexts.
Subsequently
Highlights the following action in a chronological sequence, adopting a formal register.
Thereafter
Indicates the time after a specific event, with a formal tone.
In retrospect
Offers a viewpoint from the present looking back on a past event.
Looking back
Implies a reflection on past events, differing in perspective.
At a later time
Indicates a non-specific point in the future relative to the past event being discussed.
FAQs
What does "As then" mean?
"As then" can refer to something that happened at a specific time in the past or to a situation as it existed in the past. It is often better to use more precise alternatives for clarity.
What can I say instead of "As then"?
You can use alternatives like "at that time", "back then", or "subsequently" depending on the context.
Is "As then" grammatically correct?
While sometimes used, "As then" is not generally considered grammatically correct in formal English. More explicit temporal markers are usually preferred.
Which is more appropriate, "As then" or "At that time"?
"At that time" is generally more appropriate and clearer than "As then", especially in formal contexts, because it specifies the time more directly.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested