then after that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'then after that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are attempting to provide a sequence of events or choices. For example, "I made dinner, then after that, I sat down to watch a movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Then after that he changed his mind.

Forbes

Then after that came the Internet era, in which Obama did an amazing job.

TechCrunch

Then after that they clean their dishes and plates – everything.

Unicef

Then after that expand to different M games.

WikiHow

And then after that, things moved on.

The New York Times - Sports

But then, after that, nothing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But then after that, it's a ballgame".

The New York Times - Sports

Honours even, then, after that battle.

The Guardian - Sport

And then, after that, there are parties.

The Guardian

Then after that he will resign.

The New York Times

Then, after that, he improved every day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "then after that" is grammatically correct, consider using more concise alternatives like "subsequently" or "thereafter" to improve sentence flow and avoid redundancy. In formal contexts, opt for single-word replacements.

Common error

Avoid using "then after that" repeatedly in close succession. Vary your sentence structure with alternatives such as "following that" or "after this" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "then after that" is as an adverbial phrase indicating sequence or temporal succession. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English to show the order of events. For example, "I finished my work, then after that, I went to the gym."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then after that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate sequential order. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct. While very common, it can sometimes be redundant. Therefore, consider using more concise alternatives like "subsequently" or "thereafter", particularly in formal contexts, for improved sentence flow. The phrase is found predominantly in news and media sources, making it suitable for neutral registers. Be mindful of overuse to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after this

More direct and less redundant phrasing.

following that

Replaces "then after" with a synonym while maintaining the same structure.

next

Simple and direct replacement indicating the immediate subsequent action.

and subsequently

Adds a conjunction for sentence flow while replacing "then after that".

subsequently

Single word replacement, more concise and formal.

afterward

Single word replacement, indicates something happening at a later time.

thereafter

Single word replacement, implies a period following an event.

after that point

Adds emphasis on a specific moment as a starting point.

from that moment on

Highlights a continuous state following a specific event.

once that was done

Highlights the completion of a previous action before moving on.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "then after that"?

You can use alternatives like "subsequently", "thereafter", or "following that" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "then after that"?

Yes, the phrase "then after that" is grammatically correct, but it can sometimes be considered redundant. There are often more concise alternatives you could use.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "then after that"?

The phrase "then after that" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the sequence of events. However, consider if a simpler word like "then" or "subsequently" would suffice.

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

"Then" simply indicates the next step in a sequence. "Then after that" adds emphasis on the sequential nature of events, though it can often be shortened to just "then" without losing meaning.