then flatmate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then flatmate" is not correct and lacks context for proper usage in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a flatmate in a sequence of events or descriptions, but it needs additional context to be clear. Example: "I invited my friends over for dinner, and then flatmate joined us later."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

His big break came 20 years ago when his soundtrack to The Young Americans, starring Harvey Keitel and directed by his then flatmate, Danny Cannon, caught Hollywood's attention.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

By this time he had also acquired a wife: his then-flatmate, Jane.

Independent

Then his flatmates left and we just sat there watching TV for like two hours and then he asked for a blow job and I was like, "Yeah, sure whatever".

Vice

However, if I had discovered the body of my murdered flatmate, then been badgered for hours by hostile police insisting they could prove I had been there, and wanting to know who was this Lumumba whom I'd texted "See you later" – well, I'm not certain I would have resisted the temptation to confirm what they wished to hear, then retract it hours later.

The Guardian - Opinion

You know, she had [pause], but her attitude was amazing - and our last interview - what happened was that she'd had an argument with her flatmate so it seemed, and then she'd had to go out in the rain and do the interview on her cell phone, but it was really weird, because I felt that she - that I had actually become a good friend of hers.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Full of shock and suspicion, his abandoned wife throws out Nan the nanny too - who then steals her new flatmate's boyfriend, driving her old lover to hold up a building society in a doomed attempt to buy her back.

The Guardian - Books

One time, a member of the public found me, another three times I admitted myself to hospital, and then the last time my flatmate found me.

Independent

6 November: police arrest Kercher's American flatmate, Amanda Knox, then 20; Knox's boyfriend, Italian student Raffaele Sollecito, 23; and Congolese Diya "Patrick Lumumbaa, 38, who runs a local bar.

The Guardian

I think he'd also done tracks with Global Goon, who was also a flatmate of his then.

Vice

– "Someone more senior than me from work passed out in my flatmate's bed, then pissed the bed.

Vice

And then their dull, ball-breaking wife/girlfriend/female flatmate shows up and tells them to grow up/take responsibility/act their age.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a flatmate in a sequence of events, consider using clearer phrasing such as "later flatmate" or "subsequent flatmate" for better readability.

Common error

Avoid using "then" solely as a time marker with "flatmate" without clear context. It can lead to ambiguity. Instead, specify the relationship with phrases like "my flatmate at the time" or "my former flatmate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then flatmate" functions primarily as a noun phrase, attempting to specify a flatmate within a temporal sequence. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it often requires additional context to be clear. The provided examples from Ludwig show varied usage, but often indicate a need for rephrasing for better clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "then flatmate" isn't strictly incorrect, Ludwig AI deems it to be grammatically questionable and lacking in context. Its meaning is generally understood to refer to a flatmate at a specific point in time, but clearer alternatives like "flatmate at the time" or "former flatmate" are preferable. Given its rare usage and potential for ambiguity, it's best to opt for more precise and common phrasing. The phrase appears mostly in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal register. Therefore, writers should consider the best alternatives to ensure clarity, especially in formal and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequent roommate

Replaces "flatmate" with "roommate", common in American English, and clarifies the sequence with "subsequent".

then roommate

Uses “roommate” (more common in the US) instead of “flatmate”.

later flatmate

Uses "later" instead of "then" to indicate a flatmate from a subsequent time.

former flatmate

Indicates a flatmate from a previous time; focuses on past association rather than sequence.

flatmate at that time

Specifies the flatmate during a particular period, adding more context.

previous flatmate

Emphasizes the person was the speaker's flatmate before the time being discussed.

flatmate back then

Emphasizes a past flatmate relationship.

flatmate of that era

Highlights that the flatmate relationship existed in a specific period.

flatmate at the time

Provides a general reference to a flatmate relationship during a specific period.

next flatmate

Signifies the following flatmate, emphasizing succession.

FAQs

What does "then flatmate" mean?

"Then flatmate" is not a standard phrase and typically refers to a flatmate at a specific time or in a particular context. It's often clearer to use phrases like "flatmate at the time" or "former flatmate".

How can I use "then flatmate" in a sentence correctly?

While not incorrect, consider rewording sentences for clarity. For example, instead of "then flatmate", try "my "flatmate at the time"" or "my "subsequent flatmate"".

What are some alternatives to "then flatmate"?

Alternatives include "former flatmate", ""flatmate at the time"", "previous flatmate", or "later flatmate", depending on the context.

Is "then flatmate" grammatically correct?

The phrase "then flatmate" is not grammatically incorrect, but is considered awkward. Rephrasing is typically recommended for clearer and more natural language. Consider using "my "flatmate at that time"" or "my "flatmate back then"".