then come

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then come" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a sequence of events or actions, often implying that something will happen next after a previous action. Example: "First, we will gather all the materials, and then come the final preparations for the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then come the engineers.

Construction Engineering Design Calculations and Rules of Thumb

Then come the guests.

The New York Times - Arts

Then come the repercussions.

The New York Times - Arts

Then come with me.

The New Yorker

Then come the cajas.

The Economist

Then come the individual shows.

The New Yorker

Then come talk to me.

The New York Times

Then come the legal challenges.

The New York Times

And then come the riffs.

The New York Times - Arts

And then come the scares.

The New York Times - Arts

Then come arrogant and picky.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then come" to clearly indicate the sequence of events, actions, or items in a list. It is particularly effective when you want to emphasize what follows next.

Common error

Avoid using "then come" when the sequence is not chronological or logical. Ensure that the events or items you're describing genuinely follow one another in a meaningful order.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then come" functions primarily as a sequential connector, linking events or items in a chronological order. As Ludwig AI indicates, it effectively signals what follows next in a process or list, building upon the preceding information. For example, "First, we plan; then come the execution."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then come" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to indicate sequence, particularly effective in guiding readers through chronological events or ordered lists. As Ludwig AI highlights, it enjoys wide usage in diverse contexts, from news articles to general writing, maintaining a neutral to slightly formal register. While alternatives such as "next follows" or "after that arrives" offer nuanced variations, understanding the sequential nature and ensuring logical order will help writers harness the phrase's full potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

next follows

Replaces 'come' with 'follows' to emphasize a sequential relationship.

after that arrives

Uses 'arrives' instead of 'come' to denote the subsequent appearance or occurrence.

subsequently appears

Employs 'subsequently' for a more formal tone, emphasizing the chronological order.

thereafter happens

Utilizes 'thereafter' to denote a later point in time, replacing 'come' with 'happens'.

following that occurs

Uses 'following that' to specify the event that takes place after the initial one.

in turn arises

Highlights a cause-and-effect relationship, substituting 'come' with 'arises'.

as a result ensues

Introduces a consequence or outcome, changing the verb to 'ensues'.

what follows is

Shifts the structure to focus on the subsequent events.

consequently unfolds

Emphasizes the unfolding or development of events as a consequence.

later transpires

Indicates something that happens at a future time, using 'transpires' for a more formal register.

FAQs

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

Use "then come" to indicate the next step or event in a sequence. For example, "First, gather the ingredients; "then come" the preparations."

What are some alternatives to "then come"?

Alternatives include "next follows", "after that arrives", or "subsequently appears", depending on the context and desired formality.

Is "then come" formal or informal?

"Then come" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but more formal alternatives like "subsequently appears" may be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "then come" and "and then"?

"Then come" specifically introduces what follows next, often in a sequence or list. "And then" is a more general connective to indicate the next event. For example, "We prepared the dough, and then baked it" versus "First the flour, "then come" the eggs".