then and there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then and there" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a sudden decision which is made immediately, without time to consider the consequences more carefully. For example, "Seeing the danger, she decided then and there to take a different route home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Right then and there".

The New York Times

I made the decision then and there".

The New York Times

Then and there, my project magnified.

The New Yorker

The excitement was right then and there.

The New Yorker

There weren't then and there aren't now.

Independent

The younger Ridge cracked then and there.

The New York Times

Then and there, what could we do?

The Guardian - Books

Guilty, I thought, right then and there.

The New York Times - Sports

Then and there, the child Independence was born.

Cornell University

Then and there Stephenson was employed as general manager.

Harvard University

Then and there the child Independence was born.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of events, "then and there" can effectively link an observation to a subsequent reaction or decision made directly as a result of that observation.

Common error

Avoid using "then and there" when you simply mean "then" or "at that time". "Then and there" specifically implies an immediate reaction or decision, not just a point in time. For example, don't say "I met him then and there" if you mean "I met him then".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then and there" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the timing of an action. It specifies that the action occurred immediately after a preceding event or realization. Ludwig AI states that this phrase describes sudden decisions made immediately.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "then and there" indicates an immediate action or decision, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using "then and there", ensure it accurately reflects an immediate response to avoid confusion with simple time references. Consider alternatives like "immediately" or "on the spot" for subtle variations in meaning. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase fits standard grammar rules and is commonly used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the spot

Emphasizes the location where the decision is made.

immediately

Single word replacement indicating instant action, less emphatic.

instantly

Highlights the lack of delay in the action.

at once

A more formal and slightly archaic way to say immediately.

without delay

A formal phrase stressing the absence of postponement.

right away

An informal phrase emphasizing speed and immediacy.

on the double

An informal expression, indicating that something should be done very quickly.

in that instant

Focuses on the specific moment of the action.

thereupon

A highly formal and somewhat antiquated synonym.

forthwith

An archaic term suggesting immediate compliance.

FAQs

How can I use "then and there" in a sentence?

Use "then and there" to indicate that something happened immediately or a decision was made without delay. For example, "She saw the problem and decided "then and there" to fix it".

What are some alternatives to "then and there"?

Alternatives include "immediately", "at once", or "on the spot". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "then and there" interchangeable with "there and then"?

"Then and there" and "there and then" are largely interchangeable and mean 'immediately' or 'at that moment'. The phrase "then and there" is more common in American English, whereas "there and then" is more common in British English.

When is it inappropriate to use "then and there"?

It's inappropriate to use "then and there" if you are not referring to an immediate action or decision following a specific event or observation. If you simply mean to indicate a point in time, use "then" or "at that time" instead.