right then

USAGE SUMMARY

"right then" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used as a transitional phrase to show a change in topic or timeline. For example: "We had planned to visit the beach on Saturday, but right then it started raining."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Patient: All right, then.

The New Yorker

All right then.

The New York Times

Something happened right then".

The New Yorker

That's all right then.

Independent

Oh, all right, then.

The New Yorker

Right then and there".

The New York Times

He meant right then.

The New Yorker

"All right, then," I said.

The New Yorker

"All right, then," Letitia said.

The New Yorker

So that's all right, then.

The Economist

"All right, then," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "right then" to clearly signal a transition in your narrative or conversation. It indicates a conclusion, a shift in focus, or an agreement, making your writing or speech more organized and coherent.

Common error

While "right then" is common, avoid overusing it in formal writing, as it can make your tone sound too casual. Opt for more formal alternatives like "therefore" or "in that case" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "right then" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It serves to modify the verb or clause that follows, indicating a temporal relationship or a transition in the discourse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Right then" is a versatile adverbial phrase widely used to signal transitions, agreement, or conclusions. According to Ludwig AI, it is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English. It's particularly common in news and media, as evidenced by the many examples found in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it should be used judiciously in highly formal writing, where more sophisticated alternatives might be preferred. Alternatives like "okay then", "very well then", and "in that case" offer similar functionality with slight variations in tone. Therefore, understanding its appropriate register and intended purpose is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alright then

Slightly more informal version, with a minor spelling difference.

well then

Omits "right", focusing on the transitional aspect.

okay then

Replaces "right" with "okay", offering a slightly more casual tone.

now then

Shifts the focus to the present moment or a new topic.

very well then

Adds emphasis to the agreement or acceptance of a previous statement.

in that case

Introduces a consequence or action based on the preceding information.

so be it

Indicates acceptance of an outcome, often with a sense of resignation or finality.

with that said

Introduces a contrasting point or a new perspective after acknowledging a previous one.

that being the case

More formal way of saying "since that is true" or "considering that situation".

accordingly

Indicates that the following action or statement is a logical consequence.

FAQs

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

"Right then" is often used to indicate a shift in topic, agreement, or a conclusion. For example, "We've discussed the issue; "right then", let's move on to the next item on the agenda."

What can I say instead of "right then"?

You can use alternatives like "okay then", "very well then", or "in that case" depending on the context.

Is "alright then" or "all right then" the same as "right then"?

"Alright then" and "all right then" are very similar to "right then" and often used interchangeably. "Alright then" is a more informal spelling, while "all right then" is the more traditional and grammatically correct form.

When is it inappropriate to use "right then"?

Avoid using "right then" in highly formal or academic writing where a more professional or sophisticated tone is required. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "therefore" or "consequently".