Just then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Just then" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a specific moment in time when something happens, often in storytelling or narrative contexts. Example: "Just then, the lights flickered and went out, plunging the room into darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just then.

The Guardian

Just then my phone rang.

The New York Times

Just then, we were interrupted.

The New Yorker

Just then, Makayla began hollering.

The New Yorker

Just then Ivone spoke up.

The Economist

Just then his cellphone rang.

The New York Times

Just then Rachael entered.

The Guardian - Books

Just then a little boy came along.

The New York Times

Just then a young man walks in.

The New Yorker

Just then, a third man appeared.

The New York Times

Just then an associate passed her by.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just then" to create a sense of immediacy and surprise in your writing. It's particularly effective when you want to introduce a plot twist or an unexpected character.

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "just then" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "suddenly" or "at that moment" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just then" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifying the timing of an event. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English, and examples show how it introduces a specific moment when something happens, contributing to narrative flow.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

2%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just then" serves as an adverbial phrase that introduces a moment of immediacy or surprise, commonly used in narratives across various types of media. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While "just then" is frequent, varying the sentence structure with synonyms like "suddenly" or "at that moment" helps to maintain reader engagement. With a very common presence across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "just then" proves to be a valuable tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At that moment

Emphasizes a specific point in time, similar to "just then" but slightly more formal.

Right then

Indicates immediacy and directness, mirroring the abruptness of "just then".

Suddenly

Highlights the unexpected nature of an event occurring at a particular time.

Immediately

Stresses the lack of delay, focusing on the swiftness of the subsequent action.

In that instant

More dramatic and literary, conveying the brevity and impact of the moment.

As soon as

Highlights the temporal proximity of two events, emphasizing the trigger.

On cue

Implies perfect timing, often suggesting a planned or expected occurrence.

Without warning

Focuses on the lack of anticipation before an event, amplifying its impact.

Out of nowhere

Emphasizes the unexpected and surprising appearance of something.

In the twinkling of an eye

Adds a sense of speed and wonder, depicting an extremely rapid event.

FAQs

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

"Just then" is typically used to introduce an event that interrupts or alters the course of a narrative. For example, "I was about to leave, just then the phone rang."

What are some alternatives to "just then"?

You can use alternatives like "at that moment", "suddenly", or "right then" to vary your writing.

Is "just then" formal or informal?

"Just then" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing, although it's more common in narrative and descriptive contexts.

Is it grammatically correct to use "just then" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Just then" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb in the main clause, indicating when the action occurred.