then followed

USAGE SUMMARY

"then followed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sequence of events. For example, "He climbed the stairs, then followed the path to the river."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then followed a lull.

The Guardian - Sport

This is then followed by deep sleep.

Independent

A favourable sequence of events then followed.

The Economist

Aybar then followed with the key hit.

The New York Times - Sports

Hayes then followed Smith for several blocks.

The Guardian

Then followed a very good cheese tray.

The New York Times - Travel

This is then followed by research.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then followed the masters of that game.

The Guardian - Music

Then followed that up with bogey, birdie.

The Guardian - Sport

Then followed this exchange on the teletypewriter.

The New Yorker

Then followed a number of jobs-asst.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "then followed", ensure the initial event or action is clearly defined to provide a smooth and logical flow for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "then followed" when the subject of the following action is unclear. For example, instead of "The meeting ended, then followed a reception", specify who or what followed: "The meeting ended; then the attendees followed to a reception."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then followed" functions as a temporal connector, indicating the chronological sequence of events. It sets up a clear relationship between two actions, stating that one event occurred directly after another. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then followed" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a sequence of events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently employed in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content to provide a clear chronological order. While versatile, it's important to use it with a clear subject to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "subsequently" or "thereafter" can offer a more formal tone, while "next" provides a simpler option. Being mindful of these nuances ensures effective communication and avoids common usage errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

next came

Offers a simpler and more direct way to express the sequence, suitable for less formal contexts.

after that occurred

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the occurrence of the subsequent event.

subsequently transpired

Replaces "followed" with "transpired", adding a slightly more formal tone and emphasizing the occurrence of events.

what happened next was

Introduces the sequence in a narrative style, highlighting the unfolding events.

thereafter ensued

Substitutes both "then" and "followed" with synonyms, creating a more formal and literary feel.

afterwards unfolded

Similar to "thereafter ensued", but with a slightly different emphasis on the revelation of events.

that was succeeded by

Similar to "it was succeeded by", but with "that" referencing a specific previous event.

it was succeeded by

More formal and passive, indicating a clear order of succession.

the next step was

Focuses on a process or procedure, indicating a clear progression of steps.

following this, there was

Adds a bit more descriptive detail, suitable for contexts where the sequence needs emphasis.

FAQs

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

Use "then followed" to indicate a sequence of events. For example, "The presentation concluded, "then followed" a Q&A session".

What are some alternatives to "then followed"?

You can use alternatives like "subsequently", "thereafter", or "next" to replace ""then followed"", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "and then followed"?

While grammatically acceptable, using "and "then followed"" can sometimes sound redundant. Consider using just ""then followed"" or a more concise alternative like "and subsequently".

What's the difference between "then followed" and "followed by"?

"Then followed" emphasizes the chronological sequence from the initial event, whereas "followed by" focuses on the initial event leading to the next. For instance, "The ceremony ended; "then followed" the reception" versus "The ceremony was followed by the reception".