and then then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and then then" is not correct and is generally not usable in written English.
It may occur as a typographical error or a slip of the tongue, but it does not convey a clear meaning. Example: "I was walking to the store, and then then I realized I forgot my wallet."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

And then — then you'll get to work.

The New Yorker

And then, then I would just be really happy".

The New Yorker

"Make it happen and then, then we've got a, we've got a different scenario.

Independent

Take a break and then then have another go when you next feel ready.

Independent

And then, then I read my first environmental disaster novel - a dystopian.

The Guardian

The Doctor was the only Westport-bound passenger, the pilot helped him retrieve his baggage & go through the customs, and then then drove him right to his door.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

And then... then, the last 15 minutes were absolutely outrageous.

The Guardian - Sport

I felt awkward, and then … then there was the glorious realisation that I could just … leave.

The Guardian - Opinion

But occasionally, in the right light and with the right song playing, you'll "accidentally" kiss and then... Then you'll zip up your coat and make a quick but orderly exit, right?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But we've all had that moment of excitedly unwrapping the box, shoving the disc (or cartridge) into the machine and then... then comes the horrific realisation that you have wasted £45 on the interactive equivalent of a late-career M. Night Shyamalan movie.

The Guardian - Tech

-- she forged ahead: and then, and then, and then.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the redundant phrase "and then then". Instead, use "and then", "next", or other suitable alternatives to maintain clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Do not repeat "then" immediately after "and then". This creates unnecessary repetition and weakens your writing. Choose a single, clear transition word or phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and then then" functions as a conjunction intended to indicate sequence. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect and redundant, failing to perform its intended function effectively.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "and then then" is considered grammatically incorrect and redundant. Ludwig AI confirms its unsuitability for formal writing. For clear and effective communication, it's best to replace "and then then" with alternatives such as "and then", "next", or "after that". Avoiding this redundancy will strengthen your writing and prevent confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

next

A simple and direct way to indicate the next step in a sequence.

and next

A simple way of indicating the following event. It keeps the conjunction 'and' for better transition

following that

This phrase clearly indicates that one event follows another.

after that

A straightforward way to express temporal sequence.

and afterwards

Similar to "and subsequently", but slightly less formal.

and subsequently

This alternative provides a more formal way to indicate that something follows after something else.

afterward

Similar to "thereafter", but slightly less formal.

thereafter

Indicates a time sequence, suggesting that something happens after a specific point.

subsequently

Similar to 'and subsequently' but without the conjunction, which provides a slightly more abrupt transition.

and consequently

This suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between the two events.

FAQs

How to correct the phrase "and then then"?

The phrase "and then then" is redundant. Simply use "and then" for correct usage.

What are some alternatives to "and then then"?

Instead of "and then then", consider using alternatives like "next", "after that", or "subsequently" for clearer and more concise writing.

Is it ever correct to use "and then then" in writing?

No, the phrase "and then then" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. It introduces unnecessary repetition.

What's the difference between "and then" and "and then then"?

The phrase "and then" is a standard way to indicate sequence. Adding a second "then" as in "and then then" is redundant and grammatically incorrect, offering no additional meaning.