Thereafter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Thereafter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something happens after a specific point in time or event. Example: "The meeting concluded at noon; thereafter, the team went out for lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

But the greater significance of that day in Dallas – beyond the arguments about the grassy knoll and the Zapruder film – is the effect the killing had on how the Kennedy presidency would be viewed thereafter.

The Guardian

The letter from Oliphant to Valcke reads: "In view of the decision by the South African government that an amount of USD 10million from the organising committee's future operational budget funding and thereafter advances the amount to the Diaspora Legacy Programme.

The Guardian - Sport

The Brazilian's WhoScored.com rating has soared from a modest 6.83 before Christmas to 7.84 thereafter and a continuation of that form will be key.

The Guardian - Sport

Thereafter the demonisation of independent journalism gathered pace.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shortly thereafter, a salacious video for Miley Cyrus's Adore You materialised, in which the singer runs a sly hand down her body to signify that she too will procure her own pleasure – a routine she's also decided to play up on her current Bangerz tour.

The Guardian - Music

And they persuaded the government that the BBC should play a leading role in the switch to digital and thereafter remain a big, strong, well-funded multimedia player.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Income tax was a case in point; although the SNP had fought the 1999 Scottish parliament election on the basis of raising the basic rate of income tax (which the new legislature could vary up or down by 3p), thereafter Salmond had abandoned a higher-tax agenda that might have given credence to his desire to emulate Sweden or Norway.

The Guardian

"We could afford to borrow a bit more over the next year if we had a plausible plan to get the deficit under control thereafter," says Len Burman of the Urban Institute, a think-tank.

The Economist

Having delivered home rule for Ireland in the early 1920s, the Liberals began their strange death, and thereafter, having long framed Scotland as a "state within a state", Conservatives suffered as voters pushed that to its logical conclusion by supporting legislative as well as administrative devolution.

The Guardian

Ashya – The Untold Story will be broadcast on BBC1 in the South at 7.30pm on Friday 10 April, available nationally on BBC iPlayer thereafter.

The Guardian

A few degrees higher there are statements meant to be true when uttered but proven thereafter to be wholly unfounded: Nick Clegg's stance on raising tuition fees; David Cameron's "no ifs, no buts" pledge on cutting immigration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Thereafter" to create a formal and concise transition between events in chronological narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "Thereafter" in casual writing or speech, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for alternatives like "after that" or "later" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "Thereafter" functions as a temporal marker, indicating a sequence of events. It specifies when an action or state occurs in relation to a preceding one. Ludwig AI validates this usage with examples drawn from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Thereafter" is an adverb used to indicate that something happens after a specific point in time. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is most appropriate in formal writing, such as news articles and business reports, to clearly establish chronological order. While grammatically sound, its overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. Consider using alternatives like "subsequently" or "afterward" depending on the context. Its frequent occurrence in reputable sources underscores its validity and usefulness in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Subsequently

Emphasizes the following nature of an event, more formal.

Afterward

A more common and slightly less formal alternative.

After that

A simpler and more direct way to express the sequence.

From then on

Focuses on a specific point in time as the starting point.

Henceforth

Implies a more official or permanent change from a certain point.

Thereupon

Indicates that something happens immediately after something else. It's more literary.

Following that

A slightly more verbose way to say "after that".

In the aftermath

Focuses on the period directly following a significant event.

In due course

Signifies that something will happen at the appropriate time.

In the sequel

Implies a narrative or chronological continuation.

FAQs

How can I use "Thereafter" in a sentence?

"Thereafter" is used to indicate that something happens after a specific point in time or event. For example, "The meeting concluded at noon; thereafter, the team went out for lunch."

What are some alternatives to "Thereafter"?

You can use alternatives like "subsequently", "afterward", or "after that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "Thereafter" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "Thereafter" is generally more suitable for formal writing. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives.

What is the difference between "Thereafter" and "Hereafter"?

"Thereafter" refers to time after a specific event, while "Hereafter" refers to time after death or from this point forward indefinitely.