for then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for then" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has changed since a certain time. For example, "The business landscape was much different for then than it is now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"That's for then.

The New York Times - Sports

What's it for, then?

The Times

"Fuck he starin' at me for, then?

The New Yorker

What is nostalgia good for, then?

The New York Times - Magazine

What did they come for then?

The New Yorker

What do we know him for then?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Named for then-Gov.

The New York Times

After briefly interning in Washington for then-Rep.

The Washington Post

He managed the Democratic presidential primaries for then-Sen.

The Washington Post

After a couple years working for then-Rep.

The Washington Post

Berman worked for then-Sen.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for then" to clearly indicate a contrast between a past state and the current state. This helps to highlight changes over time.

Common error

Avoid using "for then" when you actually mean "than". "Than" is used for comparisons, while "for then" indicates a state or condition at a past time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for then" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a specific time or condition in the past. It specifies a situation that existed previously, often contrasting it with the present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "for then" serves to establish a past context and highlight temporal changes. Grammatically correct and frequently used, it appears primarily in news articles and scientific publications. Ludwig AI confirms that "for then" indicates a state or condition at a past time and can be replaced with phrases such as "at that time" or "back then", although "than" is incorrect. To use "for then" effectively, ensure a clear contrast between past and present conditions, avoiding confusion with the comparative "than".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that time

Focuses on a specific point in the past.

back then

Informal way to refer to a past period.

in those days

Refers to a period in the past, often with nostalgic connotations.

at that point

Highlights a specific moment when something was true.

during that era

Specifies a longer time frame in the past.

in that period

Similar to 'during that era' but slightly more formal.

under those circumstances

Emphasizes the conditions that existed at the time.

given the situation at the time

More elaborate way to express the conditions.

considering the context then

Highlights the relevance of the historical context.

at the time in question

Formal and precise way to refer to a specific moment.

FAQs

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

Use "for then" to describe a state or condition that was true at a specific time in the past. For example, "The regulations were different "at that time" for then."

What's an alternative to using "for then"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at that time", "back then", or "in those days" instead of "for then".

How does "for then" differ from "than"?

"For then" specifies a past time or condition, while "than" is used for making comparisons. Don't use "for then" when you mean "than".

Is "for then" formal or informal?

"For then" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in writing or when a clear contrast between past and present conditions needs to be established. Using "at that point" may give your writing a more formal tone.