come then

USAGE SUMMARY

"come then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone should come or follow along at the present time or in the near future. For example: "We need to go to the store; come then."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Virginia: Come then.

The New Yorker

The messiah didn't come then.

The New York Times

"So you'll come, then?" Angela said.

The New Yorker

"You'd better come, then, he's in trouble".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"First the planes come, then the janjaweed and finally government soldiers," says a refugee.

The Economist

A nurse would come, then another, and a doctor promising sleeping pills.

The New Yorker

She wanted to come then, glad she made it here today.

The New York Times

The catering dispute may be a taste of what is to come, then.

The Economist

If two parents come, then one pays 20 euros (about $26).

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

She was always promising to come & then not coming & today she had come but everything had gone wrong.

The New Yorker

(M-60; MGNREGA) [We can come home] if the work place is near, if far cannot [come], then [we] breastfeed only when the day is over.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come then" to create a sense of immediacy or invitation, often implying a condition or sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "come then" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more direct and explicit phrasing, such as "therefore, please attend" or "in that case, your presence is requested".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come then" functions as an imperative, typically used to issue a command or invitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies a sense of immediacy, and it often includes an implicit condition, where the action of coming is contingent on something else.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "come then" functions as an imperative, generally implying an invitation or command with a condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its function in creating a sense of immediacy. The register is neutral, leaning towards informal, with the phrase being commonly found in news and media, and wiki sources. When writing, it's recommended to use "come then" to suggest an implicit sequence of events or condition. However, avoid using it in highly formal contexts. Alternative expressions like "so come" or "then join" may be more suitable in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so come

Emphasizes the invitation or instruction to come, adding a sense of conclusion or consequence.

then join

Shifts the focus to joining an activity or group after a certain condition is met.

if so, come

Highlights the conditional aspect, indicating that coming depends on a preceding condition.

in that case, come

Specifies that coming is the appropriate action given a particular circumstance.

come along now

Adds a sense of immediacy and encouragement to come without delay.

after that, come

Emphasizes the sequential aspect, indicating that coming should occur after something else.

subsequently, come

Uses a more formal tone to indicate that coming should follow as a result.

thereafter, come

Similar to 'subsequently', but suggests a longer period of time passing before coming.

come at that point

Specifies a particular moment or stage when coming is appropriate.

with that said, come

Connects the act of coming to a previous statement or agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "come then" to issue an invitation or instruction, implying a condition or sequence of events. For example: "If you're finished with your work, "come then" and help me with this task."

What are some alternatives to "come then"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "so come", "then join", or "if so, come".

Is "come then" grammatically correct?

Yes, "come then" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express an invitation or instruction, particularly when a condition is implied.

What is the difference between "come then" and "then come"?

"Come then" is typically used as a directive or invitation, while "then come" places more emphasis on the sequence of events. For example, "If you finish, "come then"" versus "After you finish that task, "then come" to my office".