it was then

USAGE SUMMARY

'It was then' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to a particular point in time in the past. For example, "I realized my mistake when it was then too late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was then shot.

Independent

It was then 6.30pm.

Independent

(UNKNOWN): It was then.

The Washington Post

Seven weeks it was, then.

The New York Times - Sports

So, Miliband it was then.

Independent

It was then 2011.

The Guardian - Books

It was then that I met Brenda.

The New Yorker

But it was then overcome by bickering.

The Economist

It was then Graze took off.

The Guardian

It was then that her troubles began.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was then-Sen.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "it was then" with specific details to provide a clear and vivid picture of the context, such as "It was then, under the dim moonlight, that I realized my mistake."

Common error

Avoid using "it was then" when the sequence of events is already clear from the context. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Consider rephrasing for better clarity or conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was then" functions as an adverbial phrase specifying a particular point in time in the past. As shown by Ludwig, it often introduces a consequence or a new development following a previous event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was then" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a specific point in time, helping to establish chronological order in narratives and explanations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While it is widely accepted, writers should avoid overusing the phrase to maintain clarity and conciseness. Alternative phrases like "at that moment" or "subsequently" can be used to add variety. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "it was then" to improve the clarity and flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that point

Specifies a moment in time when something occurred, similar to the function of "it was then".

at that moment

Emphasizes the immediacy of the event following the specified time, similar to "it was then".

subsequently

Indicates an event that happened after another, similar to "it was then" but more concise.

thereafter

Implies a time following a specific event, akin to "it was then" but with a slightly more formal tone.

afterward

Indicates that something happened at a later time, similar to "it was then" in conveying sequence.

following that

Highlights the sequential nature of events, similar to "it was then" but focuses on the event sequence.

later on

Refers to a time in the future relative to a specific point, similar to "it was then" but less precise.

at that stage

Indicates a particular point in a process or development, similar to "it was then" in a broader context.

from there

Implies a progression or continuation from a specific point, similar to "it was then" but indicating development.

thereupon

Suggests that something immediately followed the previous action, similar to "it was then" but with a formal and literary tone.

FAQs

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

Use "it was then" to specify a particular point in time when something occurred. For example, "The rain started, and "it was then" that we decided to go inside."

What are some alternatives to "it was then"?

Alternatives include "at that moment", "subsequently", or "thereafter". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "it was then" a formal or informal expression?

"It was then" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "subsequently" or "thereafter" may be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "it was then" and "it was at that time"?

"It was then" is more concise and commonly used. "It was at that time" is more verbose and emphasizes the specific time period, though it can sometimes sound redundant. Using just "then" is often sufficient.