then it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then it was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a sequence of events or a change in state in a narrative context. Example: "I was feeling fine, but then it was as if a cloud of sadness descended upon me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then it was banned.

The New Yorker

And then it was.

The New Yorker

Then it was bombing.

The New Yorker

Then it was cold.

The New York Times - Sports

Then it was off.

The New York Times

Then it was again.

The New Yorker

Then it was U.C.L.A.

The New York Times

Then it was pulled".

The New York Times

Then it was July.

The Economist

"Then it was windy.

The New York Times - Sports

Then it was different.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then it was" to smoothly transition between events or states in a narrative, ensuring clarity and flow. For example, 'First, the music was soft; then it was loud and energetic'.

Common error

Avoid using "then it was" excessively in complex sentences with multiple clauses. Overuse can create convoluted and unclear writing. Instead, vary your sentence structure by using more specific transitional phrases or rephrasing the sentence to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then it was" functions as an adverbial phrase, indicating a temporal sequence. It describes a state or event that follows another, providing a sense of progression. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is widely used to connect events and provide context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then it was" serves as a versatile adverbial phrase that is grammatically correct and very common in both written and spoken English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it primarily functions to indicate a sequence of events or a change in state, making it useful for narrative and descriptive purposes. It maintains a neutral register and is most frequently encountered in news and media. While it's valuable for creating a smooth narrative flow, it's important to avoid overuse in overly complex sentences to maintain clarity. Understanding its function and context helps writers use it effectively and avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently it became

Replaces "then" with "subsequently" and "was" with "became", emphasizing a sequential transformation.

after that, it happened

Uses a more descriptive structure, replacing "then it was" with "after that, it happened".

next, it turned out

Replaces "then" with "next" and "was" with "turned out", suggesting a reveal or discovery.

at that point, it shifted

Implies a change in direction or focus, as "shifted" replaces "was".

thereafter, the situation

Emphasizes the sequence and introduces a subject (situation) instead of "it".

shortly afterwards, it arose

Indicates a near-immediate sequence, but with a slightly elevated style.

following this, things

Introduces a new subject: 'things'. It also puts more emphasis on consequence.

in due course, it materialized

Suggests a natural or expected development, replacing "then" with "in due course".

as a consequence, it unfolded

Highlights the result of a previous action, adding dramatic or narrative tension.

presently, it came about

Replaces "then" with "presently" and "was" with "came about", resulting in more formal wording.

FAQs

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

"Then it was" is used to indicate a sequence of events or a change in state. For example, "First it rained, then it was sunny".

What's a more formal alternative to "then it was"?

For more formal writing, you could use alternatives like "subsequently it became" or "thereafter, the situation".

Is it correct to start a sentence with "then it was"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "then it was", especially when you're describing a sequence of events. However, ensure it connects logically to the preceding context.

What's the difference between "then" and "then it was"?

"Then" is a simple adverb indicating time sequence, while "then it was" is a phrase used to describe a state or event that occurred after a previous one. The latter has a stronger sense of completion or transition.