then after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then after" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express that one event happened after another. For example: "The students took a test, then after, went to the playground for playtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then, after a moment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then after Easter.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Then, after the W.T.O.

The New York Times

Then, after six seconds, there is friction.

The Economist

Not so bad then, after all.

The Economist

Then, after I arrived, it all changed.

The New Yorker

Then, after a pause, he continued.

Independent

Then, after all that, they fired her.

The New York Times

Then, after a while, less so.

The New York Times - Arts

Then, after tasting it, "This is incredible".

The New Yorker

Westward ho, then, after the money.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then after" to clearly indicate chronological order when describing a sequence of events. For example, "First, gather the materials; then after, begin the construction."

Common error

Avoid using "then after" when "after" alone is sufficient. The "then" can sometimes be redundant, so consider whether it adds necessary emphasis or clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then after" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, indicating the temporal sequence of events. It connects clauses or sentences by specifying that the action in the second clause occurs after the action in the first clause. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then after" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the chronological order of events. As Ludwig's AI analysis indicates, its function is to connect actions in sequence, making it a useful tool for clear and effective communication. While often used in news and media, as well as scientific and business contexts, be mindful of potential redundancy and ensure it adds meaningful emphasis. Considering alternatives like "after that" or "subsequently" can refine your writing for better concision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after that

A more common and slightly more formal alternative to "then after".

afterwards

A simple adverb that means at a later time.

following that

Similar to "after that" but emphasizes the chronological order.

next

A concise way to indicate the immediate subsequent action.

subsequently

Replaces "then after" with a single adverb that indicates something happening at a later time.

thereafter

A formal adverb indicating a time subsequent to a specified event.

later on

Suggests a less immediate or specific time frame.

at a later time

A more descriptive and less direct alternative.

in the aftermath

Implies a period following a significant event.

once that was done

Emphasizes the completion of a previous action before the next.

FAQs

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

"Then after" is used to indicate a sequence of events. For example, "We finished the meeting, "then after" we went to lunch."

What is a good substitute for "then after"?

Alternatives for "then after" include "after that", "subsequently", or "following that", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it grammatically correct to use "then after"?

Yes, the phrase "then after" is grammatically correct, though it can sometimes be seen as slightly redundant. Ludwig confirms its correctness based on examples from reliable sources.

What's the difference between "then after" and "afterwards"?

"Then after" explicitly marks a sequence in time. "Afterwards" simply means 'at a later time' and may not always indicate a direct sequence.