then afterwards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then afterwards" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a sequence of events that follow one after the other. For example: "I attended the meeting, then afterwards I went for lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then, afterwards, he was a bankrupt.

The Guardian - Books

"Then afterwards we make up for it".

The Guardian - Sport

Then afterwards they might get a taxi home.

The Guardian - Music

And then, afterwards, as a relaxing agent and pain reliever.

The New Yorker

Of course then, afterwards, I wasn't voting Conservative.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then, afterwards, he received his first proddings from the media.

The Guardian - Sport

"He kind of adopted me," Ekert recalled, "and then, afterwards, I kind of adopted him.

The New Yorker

Then, afterwards, we can show them the rest of our cultural and industrial possibilities," she says.

The New York Times

"And then afterwards all anyone ever saw in him was that he was Bernie Madoff's son".

The New York Times

Great little and big thoughts, and then afterwards there was jazz.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Then afterwards I thought: that was my opportunity to be a serious director.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then afterwards" to clearly indicate the chronological order of events, ensuring your writing flows smoothly.

Common error

Avoid using "then afterwards" when "then" or "afterwards" alone suffices. The phrase is acceptable, but it's often more concise to use just one of these adverbs for improved clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then afterwards" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, indicating a sequence of events in time. Ludwig shows its use across many sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "then afterwards" is a commonly used conjunctive phrase to indicate a sequence of events. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it can sometimes be considered redundant since both "then" and "afterwards" serve a similar purpose. For clearer and more concise writing, consider using just one of these words, or opting for synonyms like "subsequently" or "following that". While acceptable, prioritizing conciseness can elevate the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

afterward

This single-word version is a direct synonym, omitting 'then'.

after that

This is a very common and simple alternative, slightly less emphatic.

following that

This phrase is slightly more formal and emphasizes the sequence of events.

then, later

This option breaks the sequence into two separate adverbial elements.

subsequently

This is a single word adverb with a more formal tone.

thereafter

This is a single word adverb, similar to 'subsequently' but with a slightly stronger emphasis on time.

next

This is a concise alternative, suitable for shorter sequences.

in the aftermath

This phrase focuses specifically on the period immediately following an event, often implying consequences.

in the wake of

This suggests that something happens as a direct result of a previous event.

in due course

This suggests that something will happen at an appropriate time after a preceding event.

FAQs

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

You can use "then afterwards" to show the sequence of actions or events. For example, "We had dinner, "then afterwards" we watched a movie".

What are some alternatives to "then afterwards"?

Some alternatives include "afterward", "subsequently", or "following that". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "then afterwards" redundant?

While technically redundant since both words indicate sequence, "then afterwards" is commonly used and accepted. However, using either "then" or "afterwards" alone often results in a more concise sentence.

Is it better to use "then afterwards" or "afterwards"?

Using "afterwards" is generally more concise and direct. "Then afterwards" isn't incorrect, but it can sometimes sound repetitive. Choose whichever fits the rhythm of your writing better, keeping in mind that brevity is often preferred.