left then

USAGE SUMMARY

"left then" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the sequence of actions or events in a sentence. Example: She packed her bags, left then, and never looked back. In this example, "left then" is used to describe the second action in a series of events. Other words that could be used in its place include "afterwards" or "following that." Another example: I realized I had made a mistake, left then, and went to apologize to her. Here, "left then" indicates the speaker's immediate action after realizing their mistake. It could also be replaced with "immediately" or "right away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I take a left then another left, admiring the scenery.

Vice

Usually, it's back right to back left, then front right to front left.

WikiHow

Two left, then.

The Guardian - Sport

What is left then?

The New Yorker

We are left, then, to wonder.

The New York Times - Arts

We are left, then, with organizational regulation.

The New Yorker

What words are left, then?

The Guardian - Opinion

So what's left then in the formula?

The Guardian

I left, then went back and, at sixteen, played Oliver.

The New Yorker

The player on the dealer's left then led.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But maybe if Kylie left, then I'd leave".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left then" to clearly indicate a sequence of actions, ensuring the context makes the order of events unambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "left then" when the sequence is not immediately obvious or if other actions occurred between the leaving and the subsequent event. In such cases, use more precise temporal markers like "afterwards" or "subsequently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left then" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating temporal sequence. It modifies the verb to show that the action of leaving occurred before another action. Ludwig examples illustrate this clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left then" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to indicate a sequence of events, with leaving preceding another action. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is typically used to describe a sequence of actions. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as general writing, it serves to establish chronological order. While effective, alternatives like "afterwards" or "subsequently" can offer a more formal tone if required. When using "left then", ensure the temporal sequence is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

left, and then

Adds a conjunction for clarity and emphasis.

went after that

Employs a simple verb and a common phrase to denote sequence.

left subsequently

Replaces "then" with a more formal synonym indicating sequence.

then departed

Inverts the original order for a slight change in emphasis.

exited afterward

Uses a different verb for leaving and a common adverb indicating the next action.

first left, afterwards

Adds "first" for emphasis and uses "afterwards" for sequence.

departed subsequently

Replaces "left" with a more formal synonym and "then" with a word indicating sequence.

moved on after leaving

Specifies the action of moving on after the departure.

withdrew consequently

Uses a formal verb for leaving and a word suggesting a logical result.

left, following which

Replaces "then" with a formal phrase indicating the next event.

FAQs

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

"Left then" is used to indicate a sequence of events where leaving precedes another action. For example, "She packed her bags, left then, and never looked back."

What are some alternatives to saying "left then"?

You can use alternatives like "afterwards", "subsequently", or "following that" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "left then"?

Yes, "left then" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a sequence of events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid construction.

What is the difference between "left then" and "then left"?

"Left then" emphasizes the act of leaving before the subsequent action, while "then left" can emphasize the timing of the departure itself. The choice depends on the desired focus.