then he was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then he was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a sequence of events or a change in state regarding a male subject. Example: "After the long journey, then he was finally at peace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then he was hit.

The New York Times

Then he was cremated.

The New York Times

Then he was fired.

The New Yorker

Then he was hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

Then he was released.

The New York Times - Sports

"Then he was free".

The New York Times

Then he was sick.

The New Yorker

Then he was gone.

The New York Times

Then he was indicted.

The New York Times

Then he was ready.

The New Yorker

Then he was safe.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then he was" to clearly indicate a chronological sequence of events, ensuring the context makes the order of events unambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "then he was" to imply direct causation. "Then" primarily denotes time sequence, not cause. For example, instead of "He failed the test, then he was sad", consider "Because he failed the test, he was sad" to highlight the cause-and-effect relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then he was" primarily functions as a sequential marker, indicating that an event or state occurred after a previous one. This is confirmed by Ludwig and evident in numerous examples where it introduces what happened next. It showcases the chain of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then he was" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a sequence of events, primarily seen in news and media contexts. Ludwig confirms its correctness and utility. It's a neutral phrase suitable for various writing styles, serving to narrate a sequence and report factual information. While versatile, remember that "then" indicates time sequence, not causation, so use it carefully to avoid misleading readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently, he became

Replaces "then" with "subsequently" and "was" with "became", emphasizing the progression to a new state.

after that, he had been

Uses "after that" to indicate sequence and "had been" to denote a state that existed.

following this, he transitioned

Emphasizes a shift or transition in the subject's situation or state.

thereafter, he found himself

Indicates a point in time after which the subject is in a certain condition or location.

next, his situation became

Highlights a sequential change in the person's circumstances.

at that point, he stood

Indicates a specific moment when the subject was in a certain position or state.

in the aftermath, he existed

Focuses on the period following an event, describing the subject's state of being.

shortly after, he turned out

Suggests that the subject's eventual state became apparent soon after a given moment.

shortly afterward, he materialized

Indicates that the subject appeared or became present soon after a given moment.

soon after, he evolved

Emphasizes the change in subject after a small time-frame.

FAQs

How can I use "then he was" in a sentence?

"Then he was" is typically used to indicate a sequence of events or a change in state. For example, "He finished the race, then he was exhausted" shows what happened after he finished the race.

What are some alternatives to "then he was"?

Alternatives include "subsequently he became", "after that he had been", or "following this he transitioned", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "then he was" in writing?

Use "then he was" when you want to clearly show a sequence of events involving a male subject. Ensure the context provides a clear understanding of the chronological order.

Is "then he was" formal or informal?

"Then he was" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.