then enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then enemy" is not correct in written English.
It seems to be a typographical error or a misphrasing, possibly intended to say "the enemy." Example: "In times of war, it is crucial to understand the strategies of the enemy."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In it, a phone is mounted as a viewfinder on a futuristic pistol, then enemy aliens and robots appear to pop up, superimposed over the real surroundings.

The New York Times

If you made a habit of torturing and killing enemy prisoners, then enemy soldiers and enemy units would be reluctant to surrender.

The New Yorker

His 1950s song "The Red Rock" was banned for years; the authorities feared that its romantic narrative about three young men equipped with "an old dream, a map and a water bottle" on an adventure that turned deadly would beckon more young Israelis to undertake a daring and treacherous journey through the Red Mountains to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, then enemy territory.

The New York Times

If specialist consumers (often insects) are most important, then enemy release may be common following invasion, but if generalist consumers (often vertebrates or larger invertebrates) are most important, then non-native plants may experience biotic resistance [10].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The castle was a defense against the Spanish, then enemies of the English, and the pirates who plagued the islands over the course of centuries.

The New York Times - Travel

But as the company grew, it attracted doubters, then enemies, who said its problems were pervasive, affecting all aspects of the business, from environmental compliance and public safety to record-keeping and customer service.

The New York Times

Once he's back there, he must convince then-enemies Professor X (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) to team up and change the future.

Huffington Post

But now we know from history that if you do expropriate the rich, you will make enemies, martyrs, and then more enemies.

Huffington Post

"I used to have a Facebook page, but then the enemy blocked it," he said.

The New York Times

Just then, the enemy appeared at the top of the hill.

The New Yorker

If you're too predictable, then the enemy can get the nuclear jump on you.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating a sequence involving an enemy, prioritize clarity by using definite articles (e.g., "then the enemy") or more precise temporal adverbs (e.g., "subsequently").

Common error

Avoid using "then enemy" without the definite article "the". The absence of "the" makes the phrase sound incomplete and grammatically incorrect. Always specify "the enemy" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

Temporal conjunction with noun phrase. The phrase "then enemy" attempts to link a point in time with the subject (enemy). However, due to grammatical incorrectness, its function is impaired. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, the phrase is not correct. Proper usage requires adjustments, like adding a definite article.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then enemy" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and appears infrequently in written English. As Ludwig AI points out, this might be a typographical error or misphrasing. Although it appears across several contexts, including News & Media and Wiki sources, its incorrectness impacts its effectiveness. For clearer communication, consider using "then the enemy" or alternative phrases to better convey temporal sequence involving an adversary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and then the enemy

Adds "and" for clearer conjunction, specifying "the" enemy for definiteness.

subsequently the enemy

Replaces "then" with "subsequently" for a more formal sequential indication.

thereafter the enemy

Uses "thereafter" as a synonym for "then" indicating a point after a certain time.

at that point the enemy

Specifies a particular time when the enemy becomes relevant.

following that the enemy

Emphasizes the sequence with "following that" instead of "then".

next the enemy

Uses "next" as a simpler alternative to "then", implying a sequence.

afterward the enemy

Substitutes "then" with "afterward" to denote a later time.

later the enemy

Replaces "then" with "later" indicating a time in the future.

at which point the enemy

Specifies a particular point in time when the enemy takes action.

and the enemy then

Inverts the structure slightly, placing "then" at the end for emphasis.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "then" when referring to an enemy?

Ensure clarity by using "then" with a complete phrase such as "then "the enemy" appeared" or "then we fought the enemy."

What are some alternatives to "then enemy"?

Consider using phrases like "subsequently the enemy", "thereafter the enemy", or "at that point the enemy" for more formal and grammatically correct alternatives.

Is "then enemy" grammatically correct?

No, "then enemy" is not grammatically correct. It's better to use "then the enemy" or rephrase the sentence for better clarity.

What does "then enemy" mean?

The intended meaning is likely to indicate a sequence of events involving an enemy, but the phrasing is grammatically incorrect. Use "then the enemy" for correct usage.