how then can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "How then can" is correct and usable in written English, and you can use it to ask a question or express a rhetorical idea.
For example: "How then can we build a better society, if we are too busy competing with each other?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How, then, can Egypt return to democracy?

The New York Times

How, then, can women push back?

The Economist

How, then, can open space be preserved?

The Economist

How, then, can it be adjudicated?

The Economist

How then can economists offer better advice?

The Economist

How, then, can we simply — stop?

The New York Times - Sports

How, then, can they disengage?

The Guardian - Books

How then can this be avoided?

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

How then can you investigate anyone else".

The New York Times

How then can the atmosphere warm it?

The Guardian

How then can universities prepare for this?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how then can" to introduce a question that challenges a previously stated premise or situation, prompting a thoughtful exploration of possibilities or solutions. For example, after describing a problem, you might ask, "How then can we address this issue effectively?"

Common error

Avoid using "how then can" in simple questions where a more direct phrasing would be clearer and more concise. Reserve it for situations where you are building upon a preceding statement or argument to introduce a subsequent inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how then can" functions as an interrogative adverbial phrase, typically used to introduce a question that follows logically from a previous statement or condition. It's often used to challenge an assumption or explore possibilities given certain constraints. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how then can" is a versatile interrogative phrase used to link a preceding statement to a logical question, as validated by Ludwig. Its grammatical status is correct, and it appears very commonly across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. It is best used to elicit solutions or explanations, following up on a problem or specific circumstances. While the phrase is generally suitable for professional contexts, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in simple questions where direct phrasing would be more effective. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples highlights its role in fostering thoughtful discussions and critical analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in what way can we

Focuses on the method or manner of achieving something, shifting from a conditional to a more direct inquiry about means.

so how is it possible to

Emphasizes possibility and seeks an explanation for how something can be achieved given certain conditions.

under what circumstances is it possible to

Highlights the conditions that must be met for something to occur, adding a layer of specificity.

given this, how might we

Establishes a premise and then explores potential solutions or actions, making the reasoning more explicit.

if so, what steps can be taken to

Introduces a hypothetical condition and then asks about the practical measures that can follow, emphasizing action.

with that in mind, how do we

Highlights the importance of the preceding information before posing the question of how to proceed.

knowing this, what options do we have to

Stresses the knowledge gained and then explores the range of choices available, focusing on alternatives.

considering all of this, how shall we

Implies a thorough evaluation before questioning the appropriate course of action.

taking everything into account, how should we

Stresses a comprehensive assessment before questioning the most suitable approach, implying a need for careful consideration.

that being the case, how can one

Acknowledges a situation and then questions the ability to proceed or manage within those constraints.

FAQs

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

Use "how then can" to pose a question that logically follows from a preceding statement or situation. For example, "If resources are limited, how then can we achieve our goals?"

What are some alternatives to "how then can"?

You can use alternatives like "in what way can we", "so how is it possible to", or "given this, how might we" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "how then can"?

It's best to use "how then can" when you want to emphasize a logical connection between a prior statement and a subsequent question, suggesting a challenge or problem that needs to be addressed.

Is "how then can" formal or informal?

"How then can" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts, but might sound slightly out of place in very informal conversations.