Then

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a sequence of events or to introduce a conclusion based on previous statements. Example: "I finished my homework. Then, I went out to play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then something happened.

The New York Times - Arts

And then?

The New York Times - Science

And then it happened.

The New York Times

If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well it were done quickly.

The Guardian - Opinion

David, if you think this election is about leadership, then debate me one on one.

The Guardian

So, what then?

The New York Times

But what then?

The New York Times

So that's all right, then.

The Economist

"In more congested areas or particularly busy times of the day, then vehicles on key roads might be given priority in order to keep the traffic flowing".

The Guardian - Tech

I know one place where for 200 years there were these trees, I painted them and then one day they were all chopped down.

The Guardian - Arts

If they are ruling out these extreme cuts for the most disabled and carers, then it is clear they will be hitting the tax credits, and support for children, for millions of working families".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Then" to clearly indicate the chronological order of events in your writing. This helps readers follow your narrative or argument more easily.

Common error

Avoid confusing "then" (adverb indicating time or consequence) with "than" (conjunction used for comparisons). "Then" refers to time or sequence, while "than" is used to compare two things.

Linguistic Context

"Then" functions primarily as an adverb, indicating time sequence, consequence, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Examples show its versatility in connecting events or introducing conditional clauses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Then" is a versatile adverb widely used to denote time sequence, consequence, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of the distinction between "then" and "than" to avoid common errors. Alternatives like "subsequently" and "afterward" can add variety to writing. By understanding its function and common pitfalls, you can effectively employ "Then" to enhance clarity and coherence in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Next

Simplest way to denote immediate succession.

Following that

Directly indicates the next event in a chronological order.

Subsequently

Emphasizes a following event in a formal context.

Afterward

Focuses on the time that follows an event.

Thereafter

Indicates a period following a specific event or time, often in legal or formal contexts.

From that moment on

Highlights the start of a new condition or situation.

In turn

Highlights a cause-and-effect relationship in a sequence.

At that point

Specifies a particular moment in time when something happened.

Consequently

Highlights the result or effect of a previous action.

Therefore

Draws a logical conclusion based on prior statements.

FAQs

How can I use "Then" in a sentence?

"Then" can indicate time sequence, consequence, or condition. For example, "I ate dinner, then I watched TV." It can also introduce a conditional statement: "If it rains, then we'll stay inside."

What words can I use instead of "Then" to indicate sequence?

Alternatives to "Then" for indicating sequence include "subsequently", "afterward", "thereafter", "next", and "following that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "Then"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "Then", especially to indicate a sequence of events or to introduce a consequence. However, overuse may make writing sound repetitive, so vary sentence structure with alternatives.

What's the difference between "Then" and "Than"?

"Then" is an adverb of time or consequence, while "than" is a conjunction used for comparisons. Confusing them is a common error. For example, "I went to the store, then I came home" (time), versus "My car is faster than yours" (comparison).