about then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific time or period in the past, often when recalling events or experiences. Example: "I remember we were having a great time at the party about then, just before everything changed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What is it about, then?

The New York Times

Not much to cheer about then.

The Guardian - Business

What kind of redemption is it about, then?

Independent

"Streetcar" is about then: there is no Blanche anymore.

The New York Times

So what was the war in Iraq about, then?

The New York Times

31, what will the war be about then?

The New York Times

Fortunately, my father, who lived uptown, called about then.

The New Yorker

"What the hell's that about, then?" he demands.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What the Jiminy Cricket is Darke on about, then?

The Guardian - Sport

Ten degrees would have been swell just about then.

The New York Times - Travel

That's what all the fuss was about then.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about then" to create a sense of immediacy when narrating past events, drawing the reader closer to the unfolding action. It is especially effective in personal anecdotes or storytelling.

Common error

While "about then" works well in informal narratives, it can be too vague for formal or scientific writing. Use more precise time references like "at 2:45 PM on July 12" or "during the second quarter of 2024" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about then" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a temporal relationship. It specifies a point in time, often in relation to a previously mentioned event. Ludwig's examples show its role in setting the scene or indicating sequence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about then" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates an approximate time, functioning to provide a temporal reference point within a narrative or explanation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Although most common in neutral to informal contexts like News & Media and storytelling, it is less suited for very formal or scientific writing, where greater precision is required. Consider using alternatives like "at that time" or "around that time" for similar meanings. While "about then" is considered correct, remember to avoid vagueness by using it carefully in formal contexts. The phrase's versatility and frequency makes it a valuable tool for expressing temporal relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that time

This alternative replaces "about then" with a more direct reference to a specific moment.

around that time

This phrase provides a less precise timeframe, suggesting an approximate period.

at that point

This alternative emphasizes a specific moment as a turning point or a reference.

at that moment

This phrase highlights a particular instant in time, often with emotional significance.

subsequently

This suggests a sequence of events, with the action following "about then" occurring afterward.

afterward

Similar to 'subsequently', this indicates a later time, but less formal.

thereafter

This provides a more formal way of saying 'after that'.

following that

This alternative emphasizes the chronological order of events.

in the aftermath

This phrase implies that what follows "about then" is a consequence of something.

shortly after

This suggests that something happened very soon after the reference point.

FAQs

What does "about then" mean?

"About then" refers to a point in time that is approximate or not precisely defined. It suggests a general timeframe when something occurred.

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

You can use "about then" to indicate when something happened relative to a previous event or statement. For example, "I finished my work, and "at that time" I decided to take a break".

What are some alternatives to "about then"?

Some alternatives to "about then" include "around that time", "at that point", or "subsequently", depending on the level of formality you need.

Is "about then" formal or informal?

"About then" leans towards the informal side. For formal writing, consider using phrases like "at that time" or "thereafter".