how then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how then" can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a logical consequence or deduction. For example: "He failed the exam, how then can he be expected to graduate on time?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's how: 1.

The New York Times

How 1980s can you get?

Independent

And that's how Fest300 started.

The New York Times - Travel

We know how 18-year-olds write.

The New York Times

How 20th century.

Yale University

How? 12.32pm: George Osborne is starting.

The Guardian

How 70s is your scent?

The Times

Specifies how krb5kdc performs logging.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If so, how? 3. How do politics and class interact?

The New York Times

How 3 Communities Honor Their Dead.

The New York Times

Furthermore how NgR1 regulates astrocytes also unclear.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how then" to introduce a question that logically follows from a preceding statement or condition. It's best suited for formal writing where clear connections between ideas are crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "how then" in casual conversation. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "so how" or "then how" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how then" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a question that logically follows a previous statement. It sets up a deduction or inference. As Ludwig AI states, it's often used to introduce a logical consequence.

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 "how then" functions as an adverbial phrase to introduce a logical deduction or consequence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Though grammatically correct, its usage is best suited for formal contexts. It serves to seek clarification or challenge assumptions following a previous statement. Due to its infrequent usage, this is a rare phrase. While versatile, remember to reserve "how then" for when you want to inject formality and a logical progression into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so how

Emphasizes the implication or consequence in a more direct way.

in that case how

Adds a condition or context before presenting the logical consequence.

if so then

Highlights the conditional nature of the deduction.

therefore how

Combines a direct consequence with an interrogative tone.

given that how

Introduces a premise before posing a question about the logical outcome.

considering this how

Similar to "given that how", but places greater emphasis on reflection.

under these circumstances how

Specifies particular conditions influencing the consequence.

that being the case how

Expresses a consequence following a stated fact or situation.

with that in mind how

Emphasizes forethought or awareness before presenting the outcome.

accordingly how

Signifies that the subsequent question arises directly and logically from what precedes it.

FAQs

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

The phrase "how then" is used to introduce a logical consequence or deduction. For example: "He failed the exam, "how then" can he be expected to graduate on time?"

What are some alternatives to using "how then"?

You can use alternatives such as "so how", "in that case how", or "if so then" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "how then" in informal speech?

While grammatically correct, "how then" is generally more suitable for formal writing or discussions. In informal settings, alternatives like "so how" or "then how" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "how then" and "so how"?

"How then" implies a more formal and logical deduction from a previous statement, whereas "so how" is more direct and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.