just then

USAGE SUMMARY

"just then" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a moment occurring during a story or conversation. For example, "Just then, the phone rang and he answered it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I wasn't myself just then.

The New Yorker

Zeffirelli wasn't there just then.

The New Yorker

Just then my phone rang.

The New York Times

Just then, we were interrupted.

The New Yorker

The phone rang just then.

The New York Times

Just then, Makayla began hollering.

The New Yorker

Libeskind walked in just then.

The New Yorker

And that was just then.

The New Yorker

Just then his cellphone rang.

The New York Times

Not just then.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Just then Ivone spoke up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just then" to create a sense of immediacy and surprise in your narrative. It's effective for signaling a sudden change or unexpected event.

Common error

Avoid overusing "just then" in close succession, as it can make the writing feel repetitive and lose its impact. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "just then" is as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an event. It signals a specific moment when something occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Just then" is a versatile adverbial phrase that injects immediacy and surprise into writing. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's a correct and commonly used expression, especially in news and media contexts. While its neutral register allows for wide application, mindful usage prevents overuse. Consider related phrases like "at that moment" or "suddenly" to maintain variety. By avoiding common pitfalls and harnessing its power for impactful storytelling, writers can effectively use "just then" to signal pivotal moments in their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that moment

Focuses on a specific point in time but is slightly more formal.

at that instant

Emphasizes the immediacy of the occurrence.

suddenly

Highlights the abruptness of the event but lacks the temporal connection.

immediately

Similar to 'suddenly' but focuses more on the lack of delay.

in that second

Emphasizes the brief duration of the moment.

right away

Focuses on the immediacy of an action, rather than a specific moment.

in the meantime

Highlights something happening during an ongoing activity.

as soon as

Connects an event to the immediately preceding action.

upon doing so

More formal and connects to a previous action.

before long

Suggests the event occurred quickly after something else.

FAQs

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

Use "just then" to indicate a moment when something unexpected occurs. For example, "I was about to leave, "just then", the phone rang."

What phrases are similar to "just then"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at that moment", "suddenly", or "immediately", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "just then"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "just then" to emphasize the suddenness or unexpected nature of the event that follows.

What's the difference between "just then" and "just when"?

"Just then" refers to a specific point in time when something happened. "Just when" implies that something happened at the precise moment something else was about to happen. For instance, "Just when I thought I was safe, the villain appeared."