then even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then even" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a point or to indicate that something is true in a more extreme or surprising context. Example: "If you think that was difficult, then even more challenging tasks await you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then even Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

If then, even.

The New York Times - Sports

Then even longer.

The New Yorker

They didn't then, even.

The Guardian - Books

Back then, even the coaches were stars.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, even more bizarrely, soy sauce.

The New York Times

Then, even that financing dried up.

The New York Times

But then even James' tank ran dry.

Independent

And then even they disappeared.

The New York Times

And then even more football.

The Guardian

Maybe then, even Janya will be convinced.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then even" to emphasize a surprising or unexpected development in a sequence of events. It adds a layer of intensification to the temporal progression.

Common error

Avoid using "then even" in situations where the sequence is obvious and the intensification is unnecessary. This can make your writing sound repetitive or dramatic. Opt for simpler transitions when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then even" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate time and emphasis. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes a point or indicates something true in a more extreme or surprising context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then even" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that adds emphasis to a sequence of events. As Ludwig AI points out, it is particularly useful for highlighting surprising or unexpected developments. While its usage spans various contexts, including news and media, it's important to avoid overuse to prevent the writing from sounding repetitive. Consider related phrases such as "thereafter even" or "later even" as alternatives to maintain variety. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively utilize "then even" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thereafter even

Replaces "then" with "thereafter", emphasizing a temporal sequence.

later even

Substitutes "then" with "later", focusing on a point further in time.

better even

Emphasizes improvement or a more desirable outcome after a point in time.

finally even

Highlights the culmination of a sequence of events.

thus even

Indicates a consequence or result following from a previous action.

hence even

Similar to "thus even", but with a slightly more formal tone.

afterward even

Focuses on what happens subsequently.

accordingly even

Highlights the logical connection between events.

well even

Indicates that a situation has progressed positively.

furthermore even

Adds more information or emphasizes a previous point.

FAQs

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

Use "then even" to show a surprising development after a certain point in time. For example: "The team struggled initially, then even the star player began to make mistakes."

What phrases are similar to "then even"?

You can use alternatives like "thereafter even", "later even", or "finally even" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "then even"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "then even" can make writing sound repetitive. Ensure it adds meaningful emphasis, rather than being a superfluous addition.

How does "then even" differ from "even then"?

"Then even" emphasizes a progression, with the "even" intensifying the outcome following "then". "Even then" highlights a condition that persists despite a previous circumstance.