then did

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then did" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the action that follows, often in a narrative or storytelling context. Example: "After the storm passed, the sun then did shine brightly over the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Why, then, did the I.A.U.

The New Yorker

Why then did she come?

The New York Times - Magazine

Mudd then did the unthinkable.

The New York Times - Magazine

Why, then, did he quit?

The New Yorker

Why then did it fail?

Encyclopedia Britannica

We then did something unexpected.

The New York Times

I then did an NVQ.

Independent

Which he then did.

The Guardian

Then did the Sudoku.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Only then did a sensible decision occur.

The New York Times

Only then did the truth dawn.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then did" to emphasize the immediate consequence or next step in a sequence of actions, especially in narrative or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "then did" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "subsequently" or "thereafter."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then did" functions as an adverbial phrase, emphasizing the sequence of actions. It indicates that one event followed another, often with an element of consequence or immediacy. Ludwig AI provides examples showing how it connects actions in narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then did" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the sequence of actions. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts. While very common in news and media, it's also found in encyclopedias and scientific sources. For formal or academic writing, alternatives such as "thereafter did" or "subsequently did" may be preferred. Be mindful of overuse and ensure the phrase effectively highlights the immediate consequence or next step in a narrative or descriptive context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thereafter did

Implies a more formal and distinct sequence of events.

after that, did

Adds a clarifying element to indicate a temporal sequence.

subsequently did

Suggests a more formal and less immediate sequence.

following this, did

Indicates a clear succession of actions.

at that point, did

Highlights a specific moment as the trigger for the next action.

in turn, did

Emphasizes a cause-and-effect relationship.

next, did

A simple and direct way to indicate the next action.

thereupon did

Suggests an immediate and formal consequence.

accordingly, did

Indicates that the action was a logical result of a preceding event.

upon doing so, did

Highlights a condition that triggers the following action.

FAQs

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

Use "then did" to emphasize an action following a previous event. For example, "He finished his work, and "then did" he relax."

What are some alternatives to "then did"?

Alternatives include "thereafter did", "subsequently did", or "after that, did", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "then did"?

Yes, "then did" is grammatically correct, although it might sound slightly archaic or emphatic. It's more common in narrative contexts.

What is the difference between "then did" and "did then"?

"Then did" emphasizes the sequence of events, while "did then" is less common and may be used for particular stylistic effect or emphasis, such as in questions or exclamations. For instance, "Why "then did" he leave?" versus the less common "Why did he then leave?"