immediately then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immediately then" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate a prompt action following a previous statement, but it is better to use clearer alternatives. Example: "We need to finalize the report. Immediately then, let's gather all the necessary data."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Immediately, then, the process of getting an abortion is disrupted.

The Guardian - Opinion

What Groh will be facing immediately, then, will be daunting.

The New York Times - Sports

Crocetta fired Di Fede immediately, then denounced the official protection that kept Emmanuello from being captured.

The New York Times - Magazine

Come home immediately!' Then she hustles him away from the startled Basiji".

The New Yorker

I suggested that another crisis was surely due — if not immediately, then eventually.

The New Yorker

He knew immediately, then, that the boy was speaking the truth.

The New York Times

In the Ghomeshi case, more women came forward, five more immediately, then several more after that.

The Guardian

"It's lovely," she says immediately, then adds "the mind is a very strange thing.

The Guardian - Books

Come in the water with me?" "No, thanks," he says immediately, then immediately regrets it.

The New Yorker

"Immediately then she struck Frank with the purse and he fell back in surprise against the building wall," Purdy writes.

The New York Times - Books

The mushrooms absorb the cooking fats almost immediately, then exude it after their water has been evaporated by the heat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity and conciseness, consider replacing "immediately then" with simpler alternatives like "immediately afterward" or "right after". This enhances readability, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "immediately then" in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound redundant. Instead, opt for more sophisticated transitions such as "subsequently" or "thereafter" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediately then" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a sequence of actions. The adverb "immediately" modifies the implied verb in the subsequent clause, emphasizing the promptness of the second action following the first. This is supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "immediately then" functions as an adverbial phrase used to indicate a rapid sequence of events. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests that simpler alternatives may offer greater clarity and conciseness. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase, suggesting its widespread acceptability. However, in formal writing, more sophisticated transitions such as "subsequently" or "thereafter" are often preferred to avoid redundancy. Despite its frequency, writers should consider alternatives like "immediately afterward" or "right after that" to enhance readability and maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately afterward

Replaces "then" with "afterward" for a more direct temporal connection.

directly afterwards

Emphasizes the temporal sequence using "directly" and "afterwards".

right after that

Uses a more informal tone with "right after" to indicate immediacy.

subsequently immediately

Inverts the order and adds a degree of formality with "subsequently".

promptly thereafter

Uses "promptly" and "thereafter" for a more formal and concise expression.

straightaway after

Emphasizes speed and immediacy with "straightaway".

instantly following that

Highlights the lack of delay with "instantly".

at once, then

Replaces "immediately" with "at once" for a slightly varied rhythm.

without delay, then

Focuses on the absence of waiting with "without delay".

forthwith, subsequently

Adopts a highly formal tone using "forthwith" and "subsequently".

FAQs

Is "immediately then" grammatically correct?

While "immediately then" is not incorrect, it's often considered less elegant than alternatives. According to Ludwig AI, it's acceptable but could be improved for clarity.

What are some alternatives to "immediately then"?

You can use alternatives like "immediately afterward", "directly afterwards", or "right after that" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "immediately then"?

"Immediately then" can be used when you want to emphasize the temporal sequence of two events, but simpler alternatives are often preferred. Consider the context and audience when choosing your words.

Why might "immediately then" sound awkward?

The phrase "immediately then" can sound redundant because "immediately" already implies a lack of delay. Using "immediately afterward" or simply "then" might be more concise.