after that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'after that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something happened after another event. For example: "I finished my work, and after that, I went to the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Things relaxed after that.

Independent

I left after that.

The New Yorker

Day after that.

The New York Times

Nothing's frightening after that.

The Guardian - Film

The match disintegrated after that.

The Guardian - Sport

Actually, the week after that.

The New Yorker

We respond after that.

Forbes

Then who knows after that.

BBC

After that came Google Docs.

Forbes

Their friendship ends after that.

Wikipedia

Refresh repeatedly after that.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "subsequently" or "thereafter" for a more formal tone, or "then" or "afterward" for a simpler style, depending on your target audience.

Common error

Avoid using "after that" repeatedly in a short passage. This can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after that" functions as a temporal adjunct, indicating the sequence of events. According to Ludwig, it's commonly used to connect actions or situations that occur in chronological order, providing a clear timeline for the reader.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "after that" serves as a common and grammatically sound temporal marker used to indicate sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness and usability across various contexts. While versatile, remember to avoid overuse and consider more sophisticated synonyms like "subsequently" or "thereafter" in formal writing. Its widespread presence in sources like The New York Times and BBC underscores its reliability in mainstream communication. As Ludwig’s examples show, this simple phrase is a powerful way to link events in time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

afterward

A simpler, one-word alternative to "after that", suitable for most contexts.

following that

Directly indicates the next event in a sequence, similar to "after that" but slightly more formal.

then

A very common and versatile word indicating sequence, less specific than "after that".

next

Indicates the very next step or event, implying a clear order.

subsequently

Implies a more formal and often a logical sequence of events.

thereafter

Suggests a period of time following a specific event, often used in legal or formal contexts.

from there

Suggests a progression or continuation from a particular point or action.

at that point

Emphasizes a specific moment in time when the subsequent event occurred.

in the aftermath

Implies consequences or events that directly follow a significant event, often with negative connotations.

on the heels of that

Indicates that something follows very closely and quickly after the previous event.

FAQs

How can I use "after that" in a sentence?

You can use "after that" to connect two events in chronological order. For example: "I finished my homework, and "after that" I watched TV."

What are some alternatives to "after that"?

Some alternatives include "subsequently", "thereafter", "following that", "afterward", and "then".

Is it correct to start a sentence with "after that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "after that". It functions as a transitional phrase, linking the current sentence to the previous one.

What is the difference between "after that" and "later"?

"After that" specifies a sequence of events, indicating something happened immediately or shortly after a previous event. "Later" refers to a time in the future from a specific point, without necessarily implying a direct sequence.