then for

USAGE SUMMARY

'then for' is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is often used to introduce a phrase that will explain why a situation or action is the case, or to introduce a consequence. For example: "The team failed to meet the deadline, then for this reason, they were penalized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then for carry-ons.

The New York Times

Then, for $100 million.

Independent

Then, for emphasis: "Money".

The New York Times - Sports

So much, then, for apology.

The New Yorker

Time, then, for some competition.

The Economist

Then, for five months, nothing.

The New York Times

Then, for a moment, nothing.

The New York Times

A pain, then, for everyone.

The Economist

What next, then, for Welbz?

The Guardian - Sport

So much, then, for transcendence.

The New York Times - Arts

What then for universities?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then for" to clearly indicate a sequential relationship between events or a cause-and-effect connection in your writing. Make sure the context supports the implied causality.

Common error

Avoid using "then for" when the connection between the clauses is merely temporal and not causal. Using "then for" implies a direct reason or consequence, which might be misleading if it's just a sequence of events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then for" functions as an adverbial connector, linking clauses by indicating a sequence of events or introducing a reason or consequence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial connector that signals sequence or causality. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, though predominantly found in news, science, and business writing. The key is to ensure that the relationship between the linked clauses is logically sound, avoiding the error of implying causality where only a temporal sequence exists. Alternatives like ""subsequently for"" or ""as a result for"" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after that for

Offers a simpler, more direct way to indicate sequence.

following this for

Similar to "after that" but with a slightly more formal tone.

subsequently for

Emphasizes a later time or order, maintaining a formal tone.

thereafter for

Highlights what comes after a specific point in time.

consequently for

Introduces a result or effect of a previous action.

accordingly for

Indicates that something is done in response to what has already happened.

as a result for

Clearly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

thus for

Similar to 'hence' but may suggest a more logical deduction.

hence for

Presents a conclusion based on preceding statements.

in turn for

Suggests a reciprocal action or event in response to a prior one.

FAQs

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

Use "then for" to introduce a reason or consequence. For example: "The company missed its targets, then for that reason, the CEO was replaced."

What are some alternatives to "then for" that I can use?

Consider using "subsequently for", "thereafter for", or "as a result for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "then for" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "then for" can be used in formal writing, especially when establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship or sequence. However, alternatives like "consequently for" or "therefore for" might be perceived as more formal in some contexts.

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

"Then for" implies a causal relationship or reason, whereas "and then" simply indicates a sequence of events without necessarily implying a direct cause. For example: "He studied hard, then for that reason, he passed the exam" versus "He studied hard, and then he took the exam".