and then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'and then' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something happened in sequence after something else. For example, "I walked to the store and then bought some apples".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And then?

The New York Times - Science

And then I came, and then Brother.

The New Yorker

And then resumed running.

The New Yorker

And then porridge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And then years".

The New York Times - Books

And then it slid.

The New York Times

And then things change".

The New York Times

And then they teemed.

The New Yorker

And then soul.

The New York Times

And then slowly declined.

The New York Times

And then we left.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “and then” to clearly sequence events in narratives or instructions. This helps readers follow the order of actions or occurrences, making the text more coherent and easier to understand.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on “and then” to connect multiple clauses in a single sentence. This can make your writing sound monotonous and simplistic. Break long sentences into shorter ones or use more varied conjunctions such as “but”, “so”, or “because” to improve readability and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and then" functions as a coordinating conjunction to connect clauses or phrases, indicating a sequence of events or steps. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used. It adds a temporal dimension, showing that one action follows another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "and then" is a grammatically correct and widely used conjunction indicating sequence. Ludwig AI and the plentiful examples confirm its validity and commonality, especially in news and media. While its register is mostly neutral, writers should be mindful of overuse in favor of more sophisticated transitions for formal writing. The phrase serves the primary function of narrating events in order and can be effectively replaced with synonyms like "subsequently" or "next" to add variety to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

next

Simple and direct way to indicate the immediate following action.

subsequently

Formal term emphasizing a following event directly after a previous one.

thereafter

Indicates a time frame after a specific event or point.

afterward

A more informal way to express something happening at a later time.

following that

Highlights the order of events in a more descriptive manner.

later

A general term suggesting something happens at a later point.

in turn

Shows sequential actions with each action dependent on the last.

at that point

Connects an event to a specific time or circumstance previously mentioned.

thereupon

A formal synonym to indicate immediately after an event.

as a result

Emphasizes the consequential relationship, where one event leads to another.

FAQs

How can I use "and then" in a sentence to show sequence?

Use "and then" to link events or actions that follow one another. For example, "I woke up, and then I made breakfast" shows a clear order.

What are some alternatives to "and then" for varying my writing style?

Alternatives include "next", "subsequently", "afterward", or "following that" to add variety.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "and then"?

While starting a sentence with "and" is sometimes discouraged, beginning with "and then" is acceptable for transitional purposes, especially in informal writing, to emphasize the sequence of events.

How does "and then" differ from "but then"?

"And then" indicates a continuation or addition to a previous statement, while "but then" introduces a contrast or unexpected turn. For example, "I went to the store, and then I bought milk" versus "I wanted to buy bread, but then I realized I had none."