the then new

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the then new" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was new or unfamiliar at a particular point in time in the past. For example, "When he moved to the city, he was unfamiliar with the then new customs of the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Watermouth was, transparently, the (then) new University of East Anglia.

The Guardian - Books

He was among the first to participate in trials with the then new cephalosporins.

The New York Times

"I promptly hired a maid," the then new Signora Rutelli told the author.

The Economist

His experimental results gave strong impetus to the then new science of experimental embryology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's no coincidence that Spinoza worked in the then new science of optics".

The Guardian

Kiley was styled "commissioner", revealing the US influence on the then new office of London mayor.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

I'm not at all interested in the politics, the then new-right associations.

The Guardian - Film

Josquin's popularity in his own day was augmented by the then-new music printing industry.

Columbia University

It would have also signaled the international arrival of the then-new currency.

The New York Times

(The then-new Conservative Party went with William F. Buckley, Jr).

The New Yorker

In this short video from around 1983, President Bowen discusses Wu Hall, the then-new dining facility for Butler College.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the then new" to add historical context, showing how something was perceived at its inception compared to how it is viewed today.

Common error

Avoid using "the then new" without a clear reference point in the narrative. Without context, the 'then' loses its meaning, confusing readers about the time frame being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the then new" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing a noun by indicating its state of newness at a past time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the then new" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something that was considered new at a specific point in the past. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and utility across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, clarity in temporal context is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "newly established" or "recently introduced" can offer similar meanings. This phrase effectively provides historical perspective by contrasting past perceptions with current understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the newly established

Focuses on the establishment of something, highlighting its recent creation.

the recently introduced

Emphasizes the act of introducing something not long ago.

the emerging

Highlights the process of something coming into existence or prominence.

the nascent

Indicates something is just beginning to develop or exist.

the up-and-coming

Suggests something is on the rise and becoming more prominent.

the latest

Refers to the most current or recent version or development.

the brand-new

Emphasizes the novelty and freshness of something.

the recently founded

Similar to 'newly established', but specifically for organizations or institutions.

the contemporary

Refers to something existing or happening in the same time period.

the modern

Indicates something is characteristic of the present or recent times.

FAQs

How do I use "the then new" in a sentence?

Use "the then new" to describe something that was recently introduced or novel at a specific point in the past. For example: "The museum showcased artifacts from the "the then new" archaeological dig site."

What phrases are similar to "the then new"?

Alternatives include "newly established", "recently introduced", or "emerging", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "the then new" grammatically correct?

Yes, "the then new" is grammatically correct. It accurately describes something that was new at a specified time in the past. Ludwig AI also confirms this.

What's the difference between "the then new" and "the new"?

"The new" refers to something currently new, while "the then new" refers to something that was new at a particular point in the past. The inclusion of "then" adds a temporal context.