either then or

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'either then or' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to explain a choice between two alternatives. For example, "You can either leave now then or stay for another hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

http://mathworld.wolfram.com This site, too, is very good although some of the articles tend to be either then or overly technical at the expense of clarity.

Duke University

I do not know anything about Holmes' mental state (either then or now) and have no involvement in the case.

Huffington Post

I lifted my eyes up and I felt it, Your Honor, that secret quiver of joy, and either then, or soon enough, the immutable fact of that desk, the first thing I saw each morning when I opened my eyes, renewed my sense that a potential in me had been acknowledged, a special quality that set me apart and to which I was beholden.

Huffington Post

Except that it was not, either then or now.

The Guardian - Opinion

This did not discourage women either then or later.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Typically Moore showed no emotion either then or after the match.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

God is either then cruel or helpless, as regards all finite ill of the sort that Job endures".

SEP

Either him then or a proper action hero like The Terminator or Bourne.

The Guardian - Sport

"Generally, men are there for sex, either right then or in the very near future.

Vice

For Bevin, this videotape reveals a simple truth: he was either lying then or he is lying now.

Huffington Post

You'll either pay right then or at the business.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "either then or" to clearly present two mutually exclusive options related to time or sequence. Ensure the sentence structure supports this conjunction.

Common error

Avoid using "either then or" when presenting more than two options. This phrase is specifically for binary choices; for more than two, consider "or" or rephrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either then or" functions as a correlative conjunction, connecting two alternatives where the second alternative is related to a point in time or a sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It indicates a choice between doing something at a specific time or at another.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "either then or" is a grammatically correct correlative conjunction used to present two time-related alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not extremely common, it appears most frequently in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When writing, ensure that you are indeed presenting two (and only two) options related to time or sequence. Avoid misusing it for listing more than two options, and consider alternatives like "either at that time or" or "either subsequently or" for added clarity or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either at that time or

Replaces "then" with "at that time" for added clarity.

either at that point or

Replaces "then" with "at that point" for specifying a moment in time.

either at the time or

Focuses on a specific point in time with "at the time".

either subsequently or

Substitutes "then" with "subsequently" to indicate a later time.

either afterwards or

Employs "afterwards" instead of "then" to signify a later event.

either following that or

Uses "following that" in place of "then" for a more formal tone.

either at a later stage or

Offers a more descriptive alternative for "then", specifying a later stage.

either in that case or

Introduces a conditional alternative using "in that case".

either thereafter or

Uses "thereafter" as a formal replacement for "then".

either upon that occasion or

Provides a formal substitution using "upon that occasion".

FAQs

How can I use "either then or" in a sentence?

Use "either then or" to present two choices related to a specific time or sequence. For example, "You can either submit the report then or wait until next week".

What is a good alternative to "either then or"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "either at that time or", "either subsequently or", or rephrase the sentence to use a simple "or".

Is it grammatically correct to say "either then or"?

Yes, "either then or" is grammatically correct when used to present two options, especially in the context of time or sequence. Ludwig AI also confirms its validity.

Can I use "either then or" to list more than two options?

No, "either then or" is designed for two choices. If you have more than two, consider using only "or" or restructuring the sentence to present a binary choice before introducing additional options.