then

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a conjunction meaning "at that time," or "next in order" and can also be used as an adverb meaning "in that case" or "consequently". Example: I was feeling very tired, so I went to bed early. Then, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Arts

Science

Sports

Tech

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then something happened.

The New York Times - Arts

And then?

The New York Times - Science

And then it happened.

The New York Times

If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well it were done quickly.

The Guardian - Opinion

David, if you think this election is about leadership, then debate me one on one.

The Guardian

So, what then?

The New York Times

But what then?

The New York Times

So that's all right, then.

The Economist

"In more congested areas or particularly busy times of the day, then vehicles on key roads might be given priority in order to keep the traffic flowing".

The Guardian - Tech

I know one place where for 200 years there were these trees, I painted them and then one day they were all chopped down.

The Guardian - Arts

If they are ruling out these extreme cuts for the most disabled and carers, then it is clear they will be hitting the tax credits, and support for children, for millions of working families".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then" to clearly indicate the sequence of events or logical consequences within your writing. It enhances clarity and helps readers follow your line of reasoning.

Common error

Avoid redundancy by not using "then" after "so". For example, instead of writing "If it rains, so then we'll stay inside", write "If it rains, then we'll stay inside" or "So we'll stay inside if it rains".

Linguistic Context

Then primarily functions as an adverb, indicating time sequence, consequence, or condition. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts, as shown in the examples, such as indicating what happens next in a series of events or highlighting a logical conclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Arts

10%

Opinion

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then" is a versatile adverb used to indicate time sequence, consequence, or condition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it is very common in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Key best practices include using "then" to clarify event sequences and avoiding redundancy with "so". It's important to differentiate "then" from "than", which is used for comparisons. "Then" can effectively start sentences, adding transition and flow. The related phrases such as "subsequently", "afterward", or "in that case" offer nuanced alternatives. With its neutral register, "then" is suitable for a wide array of writing scenarios, enhancing clarity and logical flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently

Implies a direct chronological sequence, often used in formal contexts.

afterward

Indicates a point in time following a specific event, less formal than "subsequently".

thereafter

Similar to "subsequently" but often refers to a period of time following an event.

in that case

Indicates a logical consequence or condition.

consequently

Emphasizes a cause-and-effect relationship.

as a result

Similar to "consequently" but slightly more informal.

so

A simple and versatile alternative indicating consequence or continuation.

next

Indicates the immediate following item in a sequence.

at that point

Refers to a specific moment in time that follows a previous event.

following that

Implies a slightly more distant relationship than "next".

FAQs

How can I use "then" to show a sequence of events?

"Then" is useful to chronologically order events. Example: "First, gather your supplies. "Then", begin the project. Finally, submit your work."

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

"Then" indicates time or consequence, while "than" is used for comparisons. For instance, "I went to the store, "then" I went home" (time), versus "He is taller "than" me" (comparison).

What can I say instead of "then" in a conditional sentence?

In conditional sentences, you can sometimes omit "then" or use alternatives like "in that case" or "so". For example, "If it's raining, we'll stay inside" is equivalent to "If it's raining, "then" we'll stay inside".

Can I start a sentence with "then"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "then" is grammatically correct. It's often used to indicate a transition or a conclusion. For example, ""Then", we decided to move forward with the plan".