since then

USAGE SUMMARY

"since then" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as an adverbial phrase to refer to a time in the past that has been established or is assumed to be known. For example: "We met in 2001 and have been friends since then."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since then?

The New York Times

But, since then, nothing.

The Economist

And since then?

The Guardian - Sport

"Since then, it's changed".

The New York Times

Since then — silence.

The New York Times

What about since then?

The New York Times

Since then, it's doubled.

The New Yorker

What's happened since then?

The New Yorker

I've recommitted since then.

The New Yorker

Since then, nothing.

The Economist

Things have advanced since then.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "since then" to clearly establish a temporal relationship between a past event and subsequent developments or changes. It is most effective when the initial event is already clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "since then" without a clearly established previous event or time frame. The phrase relies on the reader knowing what "then" refers to; without that clarity, the phrase becomes ambiguous and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since then" functions as a temporal adverbial phrase, indicating a time subsequent to a previously mentioned event or period. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "since then" is a common and grammatically sound temporal phrase used to connect a past event with subsequent developments. Ludwig AI’s analysis of numerous examples from diverse sources shows it to be most frequent in news and media contexts, and appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Ensure that the "then" has a clear reference to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "subsequently" or "thereafter" can offer slight variations in tone or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

since that time

More explicit and slightly more formal restatement of "since then".

ever since

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the situation, continuing up to the present.

after that

A more general phrase for indicating what happened following a specific event.

from then on

Similar to "from that point forward", but can also imply a change in behavior or situation.

subsequently

Focuses more directly on the immediate aftermath, omitting the explicit reference point of "then".

following that

A more formal way of saying "after that", indicating a sequence of events.

thereafter

Implies a more formal or literary tone, suggesting a sequential progression from a past event.

in the time since

Highlights the duration between the past event and the present moment.

from that point forward

Emphasizes the idea of continuous action or state starting at a particular time in the past.

in the intervening period

Highlights the time that has passed between the original event and the current situation.

FAQs

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

Use "since then" to connect a past event with its consequences or subsequent events. For example: "The company faced financial difficulties in 2020; "since then", it has implemented significant restructuring."

What are some alternatives to "since then"?

Alternatives include "subsequently", "thereafter", "after that", or "ever since", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "since then" formal or informal?

"Since then" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

Can "since then" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "since then" can be used at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the temporal relationship. For example: "The company changed its strategy. "Since then", its profits have increased significantly."