meanwhile then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meanwhile then" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or redundant.
It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is happening at the same time as something else, but it is better to choose one of the two words for clarity. Example: "I was cooking dinner; meanwhile, my partner was setting the table."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Meanwhile then prime minister David Cameron said that if Trump came to visit the UK, our country, "I think he'd unite us all against him".

The Guardian

If your child needs encouragement even to go to the cinema, meanwhile, then eating the right kind of breakfast cereal may help: some kinds of cereal are currently offering little freebie appetiser books about the film.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In Detroit, meanwhile, then-Wayne County sheriff Robert Ficano and other officials also fretted about the vulnerability of Moroun's bridge.

Forbes

Meanwhile, then-NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jarrett was involved in a feud with Kevin Nash which was to lead to a title defense at TNA's Bound for Glory PPV event on October 23.

Wikipedia

The 2008 Republican field, meanwhile, would then resemble what was seen as an underwhelming Democratic field of Jimmy Carter, Henry Jackson and Morris Udall.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Cliff, then 22 and a newly commissioned officer in the Navy, was two months at sea and discouraged.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the then leader Kim Il-sung hailed the American party's "just struggle to abolish the cursed system of racial discrimination of the US imperialists".

The Guardian

In 2008, newspaper circulation declined for the sixth consecutive year; meanwhile, Facebook, then valued at fifteen billion dollars, gained its hundred-millionth subscriber.

The New Yorker

The Publisher SDK, meanwhile, can then track the promotion of apps as well as anonymous user interest in designated apps.

TechCrunch

Meanwhile, back then, on that same Saturday in late September , 1941the New York Post radio listings feature several program choices around the dial, including Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy on WEAF and Inner Sanctum on WJZ, this episode "The Haunting Face".

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, Baez and then Bob Dylan, in an interpolation, sing "With God on Our Side".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity and conciseness, choose either "meanwhile" or "then" depending on the intended meaning of simultaneity or sequence; avoid using both together.

Common error

Avoid using "meanwhile then" as it often creates redundancy. Select the single word, "meanwhile" or "then", that accurately conveys the relationship between the events you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meanwhile then" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, attempting to connect two events in time. However, Ludwig AI indicates it's often considered awkward and redundant, as both words serve similar functions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "meanwhile then" appears in some written sources, it's often deemed awkward and redundant. Ludwig AI highlights that the combined use of "meanwhile" and "then" can create unnecessary repetition, as both words independently serve to connect events in time. For improved clarity, it's generally recommended to select either "meanwhile" or "then", or to use alternative phrases like "in the meantime" or "at the same time", depending on the specific context. Therefore, its use should be approached with caution, particularly in formal or professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the meantime

Replaces "meanwhile then" with a more common expression indicating an intervening period.

at the same time

Offers a simpler and more direct alternative focusing on simultaneous occurrence.

simultaneously

Provides a single-word adverb emphasizing the co-occurrence of events.

concurrently

Similar to "simultaneously", but often used in more formal or technical contexts.

during that period

Focuses on the temporal aspect, specifying the time frame in which something else occurs.

while this was happening

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of one event as another takes place.

at that moment

Pinpoints a specific point in time when another event occurs.

subsequently

Shifts the focus to what happens after a certain point, rather than simultaneously.

thereafter

Similar to "subsequently", indicating a sequence of events.

in the sequel

Presents a more formal way of referring to a sequence of events, typically in written contexts.

FAQs

What does "meanwhile" mean?

"Meanwhile" indicates something happening at the same time as another event, offering a sense of simultaneity.

What does "then" mean?

"Then" indicates a sequence or consequence, signaling what happens next in a series of events.

Is "meanwhile then" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "meanwhile then" is often considered redundant and stylistically awkward. It's better to use either "meanwhile" or "then" depending on the intended meaning.

What can I use instead of "meanwhile then"?

Consider using alternatives like "in the meantime", "at the same time", or simply "meanwhile" or "then" for better clarity.