then before that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then before that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a sequence of events, indicating something that occurred prior to another event that has already been mentioned. Example: "We had a meeting last week, and then before that, we conducted a survey to gather feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Last year, I was "aloof", and then before that, I was Mary Poppins.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Last year my step daughter told me the 'in' thing at school was self-harming, and then before that it had been throwing up.

Independent

Then, before that ended, I was pregnant, and had two babies by the time I was 25, and then started to write".

The Guardian - Books

"Last week you were shouting Schiess, Deutschland, Schiess at the television when the Germans were playing England, and then before that claiming you would shoot yourself in the head if that awful Andy Murray beat Rafael Nadal".

Independent

And then, before that, he was at Veritas Software where he started as an engineer when the company had just a few people.

TechCrunch

For instance, tracking "Google" turns up one article from yesterday as the most recent one, and then before that is an article from February 18.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But, then like I said before, that depends on who the main caregiver is…the one that will actually care for the patient".

BMC Health Services Research

Then, immediately before that hearing, the city agreed to give the parents exactly what they had requested.

The New York Times

It occurred more forcefully then than before that, on the sort of pitches they were likely to encounter, England might well need six batsmen and that four bowlers might just do the job of taking 20 wickets.

Independent

Adebayor was liked well enough in his first brilliant season in the wake of Thierry Henry but then, hardly before that affection could be properly cemented, he was flirting most publicly with Milan.

Independent

She was disabled by a stroke in 2004 and had been confined to bed since then, but before that, her son acknowledged with a laugh, she had had a good time.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "then before that", ensure the sequence of events is clear to the reader. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the events or times being referenced.

Common error

A common mistake is using "then before that" when the temporal order is already implied. Redundancy can confuse readers; instead, opt for a simpler "before that" if the "then" adds no additional clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then before that" functions as a temporal connector, indicating the chronological order of events. It specifies an action or state that occurred prior to another previously mentioned action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then before that" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a temporal sequence, specifically highlighting an event that occurred before another previously mentioned event. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase is relatively uncommon and its usage should be carefully considered to avoid redundancy. It is found most frequently in news articles and informal content. When writing, ensure the temporal relationship is clear and consider using alternative phrases like "prior to that" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earlier than that

Explicitly states the temporal precedence relative to a specific point.

prior to that

Uses a more formal prepositional phrase to indicate precedence.

previously

Employs an adverb to denote an earlier time.

beforehand

Single-word adverb indicating something done or existing earlier.

at an earlier stage

Focuses on a particular phase that happened before the one being discussed.

in the past

Refers to a time earlier than the present.

in advance of that

Highlights preparation or anticipation before a certain event.

up until then

Highlights a period leading to a specific point in time.

antecedently

A more formal adverb indicating precedence in time or order.

that being said earlier

Emphasizes precedence relative to a statement or discussion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "then before that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "prior to that" or "previously". These options provide a more sophisticated and professional sound.

Is it redundant to use "then before that"?

In some cases, yes. If the sequence is already clear, using just "before that" might be sufficient. The "then" should only be included if it adds additional clarity or emphasis to the temporal sequence.

What's a simple alternative to "then before that"?

A straightforward alternative is "earlier than that". This option is clear and concise, making it suitable for various contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "then before that" in writing?

Use "then before that" when you want to emphasize a specific sequence of events, highlighting what occurred prior to a previously mentioned event. This can help provide clarity in complex narratives or explanations.