then happened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then happened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an event occurred after a previous event or action. Example: "After the storm passed, the sun came out, and then happened a beautiful rainbow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

What then happened?

The Guardian - Business

Of course, the worst then happened.

The Economist

Once people understood that, it then happened".

The Guardian

Two things then happened at once.

The Guardian

But, according to Ron Unz, a funny thing then happened.

The New York Times

What then happened was we were held on the bridge for hours in the freezing cold.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Three things then happen: 1.

The Guardian

Two other things must then happen.

The Economist

What then happens, however, is unclear.

The Economist

Proof., because if happens, then happens too.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

So then whatever happened happened.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then happened" to clearly indicate the chronological order of events, especially when narrating a series of actions or consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "then happened" immediately after another temporal marker (e.g., "After that, then happened..."). This can create unnecessary redundancy. Choose one marker for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then happened" serves as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting clauses and indicating a sequence of events. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then happened" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to indicate sequential events. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to narrate events in chronological order with a neutral tone. While simple and straightforward, it is advisable to avoid redundancy by not using it immediately after other temporal markers. Consider alternatives like "subsequently occurred" or "next occurred" for variety and to fine-tune the level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

afterwards happened

Similar to "then happened" but with a slightly different word order.

next occurred

A more straightforward and concise way to indicate the following event.

what followed was

Emphasizes the consequence or result of a previous action.

what resulted was

Focuses on the outcome or effect of an action.

what ensued was

Implies a more significant or eventful unfolding.

subsequently occurred

Replaces "then" with a more formal synonym "subsequently".

after that took place

Reorders the sentence structure for emphasis.

thereafter transpired

Uses more formal language to describe the unfolding of events.

following that unfolded

Suggests a gradual and complex development.

it then came to pass

Introduces a sense of inevitability or destiny.

FAQs

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

You can use "then happened" to describe an event that occurred after a previous one. For example, "The alarm went off, and "then happened" a power outage".

What are some alternatives to saying "then happened"?

Alternatives include "subsequently occurred", "next occurred", or "what followed was", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to use "then happened"?

Yes, "then happened" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate the sequence of events.

What is the difference between "then happened" and "thereafter transpired"?

"Then happened" is a more neutral and common way to describe the sequence of events, while "thereafter transpired" is more formal and suggests that events unfolded in a more significant manner.