it can then

USAGE SUMMARY

"it can then" is a perfectly grammatical and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to what can happen as a result of a prior action, for example: "If you follow the instructions correctly, it can then be assembled quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can then recoup its money through aggressive sales of the music to advertisers and others.

The New York Times

It can then claim its income tax rate is lower than it really is.

The New York Times

It can then inject its genes and proteins into the microbe.

The New York Times - Science

It can then be moved along its track into position.

WikiHow

It can then use this information to change the rhythm of its hair.

The New York Times - Science

It can then be painfully slow to converge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It can then make fossil-powered generation intermittent!

The New York Times

It can then recharge the batteries or draw out power.

The New York Times - Tech

It can then perform new actions based on this understanding.

MIT Technology Review

It can then be considered as another game player in the evolutionary process.

Systems Evolutionary Biology Biological Network Evolution Theory, Stochastic Evolutionary Game Strategies, and Applications to Systems Synthetic Biology

It can then be transformed into the rank minimization problem subject to the LMI constraints.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can then", ensure that the 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding sentence to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it can then" when the 'it' lacks a clear reference in the prior sentence. Ensure the reader knows exactly what 'it' refers to for clarity and coherence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can then" functions as a sequence connector, indicating that a particular action or state is contingent on a prior action or state. Ludwig confirms that the expression introduces a subsequent possibility or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can then" serves as a versatile sequence connector, clearly indicating that an action or state is contingent on a preceding one. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to scientific writing. Although "it can then" is widely accepted, ensure that the antecedent is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "subsequently" or "as a result" may be used for stylistic variation or increased formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently it is able to

Replaces "can then" with a more formal and passive construction, emphasizing the capability resulting from a previous action.

following that it will

Emphasizes the sequence of events with a determined future action.

afterward it may

Suggests a possible outcome following a prior event, similar to "it can then" but with a sense of possibility.

as a result it is capable of

Highlights the causal relationship, making the resulting capability the focus.

and thus it is able to

Highlights the logical connection between events and the resulting capability.

thereupon it is possible to

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying something becomes possible as a direct result.

in turn it might

Emphasizes a cyclical or reactive effect.

consequently it is permitted to

Indicates permission or allowance arising from the previous action.

from there it is going to

More colloquial and indicates a future intention based on the current state.

once that's done it is allowed to

Emphasizes the completion of a task as a prerequisite for the subsequent action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it can then" is used to show what is possible after a previous condition is met. For example, "If the data is collected, "it can then" be analyzed".

What are some alternatives to "it can then"?

Alternatives include phrases like "subsequently", "after that", "as a result", or "consequently". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. See also: "afterward it may".

Is "it can then" formal or informal?

The phrase "it can then" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer a more sophisticated alternative like "subsequently" or "thereupon it is possible to".

What's the difference between "it can then" and "then it can"?

"It can then" emphasizes the sequence and the dependency of the second action on the first. "Then it can" places more emphasis on the possibility or ability of the action, with the sequence being secondary. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.