then future

USAGE SUMMARY

'then future' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer forward to a time in the future after a particular event or occurrence. For example, "We'll start this project now and then future generations will reap the benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

But if rates are low because inflation is low, then future rents will also rise more slowly.

The Economist

Wilder was in a play with Brooks's then future wife, Anne Bancroft, who introduced the pair backstage in 1963.

The Guardian

Furthermore, if this occurs, then future as yet unforseen automation-assisted accidents will inevitably be attributed to human error.

Safety Science

This year will represent the seed of the design, and then future iterations will evolve, morph and grow the pavilion annually.

Columbia University

Then future TV series can focus on new fictional musicals which can then also spiral off to form other Broadway shows.

Independent

But then future money would have to come out of the general fund, left to the mercy of the political winds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

If they have not, then future-Watson and future-Crick just got a massive clue.

BBC

It is set in a then-future America of 1920, thriving after a (prescient) war with Germany.

The Guardian - Books

"Motorcycle Mania," a special that Beers produced for Discovery in 2000, introduced the world to the bike builder Jesse James, proprietor of the now-multimillion-dollar West Coast Choppers brand and then-future-ex of Sandra Bullock.

The New York Times - Magazine

There was a dinner one evening during the match, hosted by John Barclay, old Etonian, once-and-then-future president of the MCC, and as Mike Selvey puts it in his version of the tale, "all-round good egg".

The Guardian - Sport

Many other then-future Asian Americans serve the military out of its normal ranks during the conflict.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "then future" with specific timeframes or conditions for clearer communication. For example, "If the experiment succeeds, then future research will focus on scalability."

Common error

Avoid using "then future" when simply referring to something that will happen in the future without any specific prior event. Using "future" alone is sufficient in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then future" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating a point in time subsequent to a specific condition or event. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in establishing a clear temporal sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then future" is a grammatically sound construction used to express a future occurrence that depends on a preceding condition or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and high frequency across different types of texts. It is most prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts, showing its relevance in both descriptive and analytical writing. When using "then future", ensure there's a clear temporal sequence to avoid ambiguity and to correctly express the desired relationship between events. Ludwig provides multiple examples of its proper use in various sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently future

Indicates a future point or period immediately following a given one; slightly more formal.

after that in the future

More verbose and emphasizes the temporal sequence more explicitly.

thereafter in the future

More formal and literary, denoting a time following a specific event.

in the time ahead

Focuses on the concept of the period coming up, without needing a reference event.

in due course

Highlights a future occurrence at an appropriate or expected time.

in the fullness of time

Emphasizes a more distant future, implying patience and eventual realization.

down the line

Suggests a future point that is further away, with less immediate importance.

at a later date

A common and general way to postpone an action or decision.

in the subsequent era

Very formal and used for eras, suggesting a significant period.

the coming years

Refers specifically to the future, focusing on the years to come.

FAQs

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

Use "then future" to specify what will happen in the future after a specific condition or event occurs. For example: "If the proposal is approved, "then future" funding will be allocated to the project."

What phrases are similar to "then future"?

Alternatives to "then future" include "subsequently future", "thereafter in the future", or "after that in the future", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it always necessary to include "then" before "future"?

No, "then" emphasizes a conditional or sequential relationship. If you're just talking about the future without a specific preceding event, using simply "future" is often more appropriate.

What is the difference between "then future" and simply "future"?

"Future" refers to any point in time after the present. "Then future" specifies a time after a certain condition is met or event has happened. So, while the "then future" always lies in the future, it is specifically contingent on something else occurring first.