then comes

USAGE SUMMARY

"then comes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the order in which things will happen or occur. For example: "First, we'll gather all the necessary materials. Then comes the preparation stage." "Once you've completed the initial training, then comes the real challenge of putting your skills to the test." "In the animal kingdom, the food chain dictates that the predators are at the top. Then comes the herbivores and finally the plants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then comes the crunch.

Forbes

Then comes the denial.

The New York Times - Sports

Then comes another wail.

The New Yorker

Then comes the grid.

The New Yorker

Then comes the inevitable.

The New York Times

Then comes vacation?

The New York Times - Sports

Then comes the math.

The New York Times - Sports

Then comes the unveiling.

The New York Times

Then comes dessert.

The New York Times

Then comes the climax.

The New Yorker

Then comes the stirring.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "then comes", ensure that the sequence of events is clearly established and logical. This phrase works best when there is a natural or expected progression between the steps described.

Common error

Avoid using "then comes" when introducing an element that is not the next logical step in a sequence. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects the order of events to prevent confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then comes" functions as a transitional phrase or sequence marker. It indicates the subsequent event or step in a process, narrative, or list. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where "then comes" introduces the next element in a sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then comes" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce the next element in a sequence, predominantly found in News & Media. Ludwig AI analysis reinforces that this phrase serves to guide audiences through logical progressions. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to ensure that the sequencing is accurate to avoid miscommunication. As always, it's crucial to choose the most contextually appropriate alternative to "then comes" to enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently follows

Replaces "comes" with "follows" to maintain the sequential meaning; "subsequently" adds a slightly more formal tone.

next in sequence is

Emphasizes the sequential order more explicitly than "then comes".

following that is

Indicates that something occurs directly after the previous event, using a slightly different sentence structure.

thereafter appears

"Thereafter" indicates time passed after an event, and "appears" replaces "comes" to suggest emergence or visibility.

after that occurs

Specifies that something happens after a particular point in time, using "occurs" instead of "comes".

in the wake of this is

Suggests that what follows is a direct consequence or result of the preceding event.

what follows is

A general way to introduce the next event, lacking the specific temporal marker of "then".

arriving afterward is

"Arriving" suggests physical presence or completion, and "afterward" specifies a temporal delay.

ensuing from that is

"Ensuing" implies that something naturally or logically follows the previous event; more formal.

as a consequence appears

Highlights that what follows is a direct result or outcome of the previous situation.

FAQs

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

Use "then comes" to introduce the next event, step, or element in a sequence. For example, "First, gather the ingredients; "then comes" the mixing process".

What are some alternatives to "then comes"?

Alternatives include "next", "subsequently", "following that", or "afterward". Choose the alternative that best fits the context and desired level of formality. You could say "next" or "afterward".

Is "then comes" formal or informal?

"Then comes" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language. You could use it to narrate stories both in informal and formal settings.

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

"Then comes" is more structured and emphasizes the sequence, whereas "and then" is more conversational and less focused on strict order. "Then comes" indicates what is happening immediately after, while "and then" can describe a sequence of actions over time.