I could then

USAGE SUMMARY

"I could then" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide a logical sequence of events. For example: I was feeling overwhelmed, so I took a few deep breaths and reminded myself of my strengths. I could then focus on the tasks at hand and complete them one by one.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I could then pick her up in the car.

Independent

"I could then write malware that automates that.

The New Yorker

And if I could, then so could the male guests.

The Guardian - Travel

I was just this actress hoping to get material that I could then make funnier.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Clicking through to a specific flight, I could then see which seats were available.

The New York Times

I figured that if I got lucky, I could then turn into a full-time writer.

The Guardian - Books

He did, or so I thought, as I could then ring out on my phone.

The Guardian - Money

If that tent-pole were firmly erected I could then hang everything from it like Christmas tree ornaments.

Independent

I could then deviate from the main story into the more serious sections, with these mini routines almost becoming asides.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The younger siblings, I figured, could then follow suit.

The New York Times - Magazine

These potent complex I inhibitors could then 'jam' its protonmotive machinery.

Cell Death and Disease

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I could then" to clearly indicate a sequence of events, where the ability to perform the second action directly depends on the completion of the first. For example: "After mastering the basics, I could then move on to more advanced techniques."

Common error

Avoid using "I could then" when the actions are not directly related or when the second action doesn't logically follow from the first. For instance, avoid saying "I ate lunch, I could then go to the store," unless eating lunch directly enabled the store visit.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I could then" is to act as an adverbial phrase indicating a sequential action contingent on a prior event. This usage is supported by the Ludwig examples, where the phrase links a capability or action to a preceding condition or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I could then" serves as a pivotal connector, logically sequencing events and actions, where one is contingent on the other. Analysis of Ludwig examples and guidance emphasizes its correct use in establishing clear cause-and-effect relationships. The phrase's frequency and acceptability, as noted by Ludwig, is also confirmed across various sources, from news media to scientific publications. Use it with precision to ensure actions are directly linked, and your writing will reflect both clarity and logical flow. Remember to avoid using it when actions are unrelated to keep logical construction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently, I was able to

Emphasizes the temporal sequence more explicitly than "I could then".

after that, I had the ability to

Highlights the gained ability following a prior action.

following that, I was capable of

Similar to 'after that', but emphasizes capability.

thereafter, I had the option to

Focuses on having a choice or option after a certain point.

as a result, I found myself able to

Highlights that the ability is a direct outcome.

consequently, I was in a position to

Indicates that a certain state enabled subsequent action.

henceforth, my capabilities allowed me to

Suggests a more formal and lasting enablement.

from there, it was possible for me to

Emphasizes the enabling circumstance.

that allowed me to subsequently

Restructures the sentence to highlight allowance as the cause.

with that, I was able to proceed to

Highlights the progression to a further stage.

FAQs

How can I use "I could then" in a sentence?

Use "I could then" to show a sequence where one action enables another. For example: "Once I understood the instructions, "I could then" begin the assembly process."

What phrases are similar to "I could then"?

Similar phrases include "subsequently I was able to", "after that I had the ability to", or "following that I was capable of", which also indicate a sequence of actions.

Is it correct to say "I was then able to" instead of "I could then"?

Yes, "I was then able to" is grammatically correct, but it emphasizes the ability more directly, while "I could then" focuses on the sequence. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What is the difference between "I could then" and "I was able to then"?

"I could then" implies a logical sequence, whereas "I was able to then" emphasizes the capacity or ability at that specific time. The subtle difference affects the focus of the sentence.