it then became

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it then became" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a change or transformation that occurred after a specific point in time. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, it then became clear that she was destined for greatness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It then became a sovereign state with Lee as its first prime minister.

Britannica

It then became clear that Merrill was performing far worse than its peers, these people said.

The New York Times

It then became Irian Jaya.

The Economist

It then became an asset-management firm.

The Economist

It then became more active.

The New York Times

It then became a question of time.

The New York Times - Science

It then became a Monday prix fixe.

The New York Times

It then became a rescue route for shipwrecked sailors.

The Guardian - Travel

It then became a byline for the column.

The New York Times

"It then became tight and we were nervous.

The Guardian - Sport

It then became a waiting game for the Friars.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it then became" to clearly indicate a change or evolution following a specific event or period. This helps create a smooth chronological narrative.

Common error

Ensure that the temporal sequence is clear. Avoid using "it then became" when the order of events is ambiguous. Instead, provide sufficient context to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it then became" functions as a transitional phrase, indicating a change in state or condition following a specific point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it then became" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate a sequential transformation or evolution. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequency in various contexts. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it is most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. To enhance your writing, use this phrase to clearly establish chronological sequences. Be aware that while it is suitable for both formal and informal settings, you may consider using alternatives like "it subsequently became" or "it later became" for increased sophistication. Ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. This will aid in building strong, clear narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it subsequently became

Replaces "then" with "subsequently", emphasizing the chronological sequence of events.

it later became

Uses "later" instead of "then", focusing on the time aspect of the transformation.

it thereafter became

Substitutes "then" with "thereafter", indicating a sequence of events in a more formal tone.

it eventually became

Highlights the final outcome after a period of transition.

it transformed into

Focuses on the act of changing form or nature.

it evolved into

Suggests a gradual process of development and change.

it developed into

Implies a progressive growth or unfolding into a new state.

it turned into

Describes a change in state or condition, often unexpected.

it proceeded to be

Emphasizes the progression from one state to another in a sequential manner.

it came to be

Indicates how something originated or reached its current state.

FAQs

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

Use "it then became" to show a clear progression from one state or condition to another. For example: "The small village was a farming community; "it then became" a bustling tourist destination".

What are some alternatives to "it then became"?

You can use alternatives such as "it subsequently became", "it later became", or "it eventually became" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "it then became" and "it became"?

"It became" simply indicates a change. Adding "then" as in ""it then became"" emphasizes that the change occurred sequentially after a specific point or event.

Can I use "it then became" in formal writing?

Yes, ""it then became"" is suitable for formal writing as it provides a clear and logical flow of events. However, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "it subsequently became" for a more elevated tone.