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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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searchable then

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "searchable then" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a context where you are discussing the state of something being searchable at a specific time in the past. Example: "The database was searchable then, but it has since been updated and is no longer accessible."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But did you know that search engine optimization (SEO), has now teamed-up with video content to make it even more searchable then ever?

News & Media

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Those tags are then searchable, so if I want to find the particular point in one of my videos that I tagged "touchdown," that's easy to do.

News & Media

TechCrunch

The user has to try to find their way through the PDF, hoping that the text is searchable, and then deal with the pain of searching through to find the information she is actually looking for.

Corporate clients can use BrassRing's hiring software, which puts rsums into a searchable database, then sends them back to the company within 24 hours via the Web.

News & Media

Forbes

This is then searchable for key words in a straightforward way.

Using only the most relevant, searchable information, and then assigning it a unique identifier, helps tidy up data for more effective work.

He transferred the reams of data files onto a desktop computer, spent weeks figuring out how to pull the chaos of information into a searchable database, and then started tabulating the emergency-room visits of victims of serious assault.

News & Media

The New Yorker

And all of that metadata is then searchable.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Crucially, the resulting archive is then searchable and can be browsed via a handy calendar view.

News & Media

TechCrunch

The resulting archive is then searchable or can be browsed via a handy calendar view.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Every geo-coded Tweet, Flickr photo, or restaurant review is adding a tag or comment to the world that is then searchable by others.

News & Media

TechCrunch
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence, ensure the temporal adverb (like 'then') is placed logically. Instead of 'searchable then', clarify when the searchability occurred, such as 'searchable at that time' or 'became searchable afterward'.

Common error

Avoid placing 'then' directly after 'searchable' as it often leads to awkward phrasing. Instead, use 'then' to indicate a sequence of actions, not a state of being. For example, prefer 'it was indexed, then made searchable' over 'searchable then'.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "searchable then" attempts to function as an adverbial modifier, indicating when something became searchable. However, its structure often leads to awkward phrasing. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase may not be standard in written English, and it can cause confusion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "searchable then" aims to indicate the timing of searchability but often falls short due to its awkwardness and lack of clarity. Ludwig AI points out it's not standard in written English. While some sources, like TechCrunch and Forbes, use it, the phrase's grammatical status is questionable, making it unsuitable for formal contexts. More precise alternatives, such as "searchable at that time" or "became searchable afterward", provide clearer communication. When describing temporal sequences related to searchability, prioritizing clarity over brevity is essential to avoid ambiguity.

FAQs

How can I correctly indicate that something became searchable after a certain action?

Instead of saying "searchable then", use phrases like "became searchable", "was made searchable afterward", or "was searchable subsequently" to clearly convey the sequence.

What's a more grammatically sound way to express that something is searchable at a specific time?

Opt for phrases like "searchable at that time", "able to be searched back then", or "searchable during that period" instead of "searchable then".

Is it ever correct to use "searchable then"?

While not standard, "searchable then" might be acceptable in very informal contexts or when 'then' clearly refers to a previously established time. However, for clarity, it's best to use more explicit phrasing like "searchable at that point".

How can I avoid ambiguity when describing when something becomes searchable?

To avoid confusion, be specific about the timing. Use phrases like "after indexing, it became searchable", or "once processed, it "was then searchable"" to clearly link the action and the resulting searchability.

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: