and then one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and then one" is not a complete or standard expression in written English, making it unclear in its usage.
It may be used in a context where a sequence of events is being described, but it requires additional context to be meaningful. Example: "We were all gathered for the meeting, and then one by one, they started to share their ideas."

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And then one day, I wasn't.

The Guardian - Books

A gasp - and then "One Thousand Dollars!

The New Yorker

And then one of them commits suicide.

The New York Times - Books

And then one of them gets picked.

The New Yorker

And then, one last time, they parted.

The Guardian - Sport

And then, one day, there was radiance.

The New Yorker

And then one worked.

TechCrunch

2, and then one IPO.

TechCrunch

And then one day, poof!

Vice

And then one more time.

Vice

And then one day a solution appears.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and then one" to clearly indicate the next step or event in a sequence, ensuring a smooth flow in your narrative or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "and then one" without a preceding context or series of events. This phrase works best when it's evident what 'one' refers to in the sequence to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and then one" functions as a sequential connector, indicating the progression from one event or item to the next in a series. It typically introduces a new element or action following a previous one. Ludwig shows numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "and then one" serves as a sequential connector, commonly used to indicate the next step or event in a series, as validated by its frequent appearance in diverse contexts, especially in news and media. Ludwig AI considers the phrase acceptable but suggests ensuring clear context. Related phrases include "next" and "subsequently". While grammatically simple, "and then one" provides a straightforward way to maintain flow in narratives and procedural explanations. Remember to use this phrase when it is clear what 'one' is referring to, and consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

next, one

Simplifies the phrase using a common sequential adverb.

and then, a

Uses "a" instead of "one", changing the nuance slightly.

and after that, one

Adds a phrase to emphasize the temporal sequence.

subsequently one

Replaces "and then" with a more formal adverb indicating sequence.

afterward, one

Uses a single word to convey the sequence, being more concise.

thereafter, one

Uses a formal adverb to indicate what happens after a certain point.

following that, one

Adds a transitional phrase to emphasize the sequence of events.

and in turn, one

Indicates that the subsequent event is a consequence of the previous.

and subsequently a

Alters the determiner to "a" instead of "one", implying a different kind of thing.

and from there, one

Implies a directional or logical progression.

FAQs

How can I use "and then one" effectively in a sentence?

The phrase "and then one" is most effective when it follows a series of events or items. It clearly indicates the next item or event in the sequence. For example, "We gathered the ingredients, mixed them thoroughly, and then one by one, added them to the pot."

What are some alternatives to using "and then one"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "next", "subsequently", "following that", or "afterward" to achieve a similar meaning.

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

While it's not strictly incorrect, starting a sentence with "and then one" can sometimes sound informal or abrupt. It's generally better to use a more complete transitional phrase to begin a sentence, such as "and then another" or "and subsequently".

In what contexts is "and then one" most appropriate?

The phrase "and then one" is commonly used in narratives, procedural explanations, and informal discussions where a sequence of events is being described. It's less common in formal academic writing.