especially then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "especially then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a particular time or situation when something is more significant or relevant. Example: "I felt a surge of excitement, especially then, when the announcement was made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Especially then, in fact.

The Guardian

Especially then, since rebellion becomes outmoded.

The New York Times - Books

I laughed out loud at this. "Even if you can't bloody have them?" "Especially then".

The New Yorker

I mean, especially when you have terminal cancer…" (Yes, especially then).

The New Yorker

And this would be your constant preoccupation even if you were eventually exonerated -- perhaps especially then.

The New York Times - Magazine

The very phrase "organic molecule" implied, especially then, a class of chemicals uniquely of biological origin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

He chafed against most of the party establishment, especially then-Mayor Willie Brown.

Los Angeles Times

and former President Barack Obama personally invested hours in one-on-one meetings with individual Republican senators, especially then-Sen.

Huffington Post

The one where Republicans tried their darndest to discredit -- destroy is a better word -- the president and, especially, then-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Huffington Post

"By sixth grade I knew that kids weren't, especially back then.

The New York Times - Magazine

Reliability was a problem for other Web sites last year, especially toysrus.com, then Amazon's rival and now its partner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "especially then", ensure the context is clear to the reader. Make sure the 'then' refers to a previously established time or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "especially then" if the temporal reference is ambiguous or unclear. Ensure that the 'then' clearly refers to a specific time or situation previously mentioned in the text. Otherwise, the phrase loses its emphasis and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "especially then" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding emphasis to a specific point in time. It highlights that a particular condition or situation was more pronounced or significant during that period. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "especially then" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to emphasize a particular moment or situation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions to highlight the increased relevance or intensity of something during that specific time. While versatile and suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to ensure the temporal reference is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "particularly at that time" or "especially back then" depending on the intended nuance. By understanding its function and context, writers can effectively use "especially then" to add emphasis and clarity to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

especially back then

Implies a contrast with the present and is slightly more colloquial.

particularly at that time

Emphasizes the specific moment with a formal tone.

particularly when that happened

Connects the emphasis to a specific event.

more so at that point

Highlights a higher degree of relevance at the mentioned time.

especially during that period

Focuses on a broader timeframe rather than a single moment.

especially in those circumstances

Connects the emphasis to a specific set of conditions.

notably in those days

Highlights a significant period in the past.

particularly in that era

Focuses on a specific historical period with a formal tone.

most notably at that stage

Highlights the most remarkable aspect during a certain phase.

at that specific juncture

Emphasizes the importance of a precise moment in time, highly formal.

FAQs

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

Use "especially then" to emphasize that something was particularly true or relevant at a specific time. For example, "The need for collaboration was evident, "especially then", when resources were scarce."

What are some alternatives to using "especially then"?

Alternatives include phrases like "particularly at that time", "notably in those days", or "especially back then", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "especially then" or can I omit "then"?

While "especially" can be used alone to emphasize something, adding "then" specifies that the emphasis is related to a particular time or circumstance. Omitting "then" might change the meaning or reduce the clarity of the sentence.

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

"Especially then" refers to a specific point in time, whereas "especially when" introduces a condition or situation. "Especially then" emphasizes when something was particularly true, while "especially when" emphasizes under what circumstances something was particularly true.