then popular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then popular" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to contrast something that was popular in the past with something that is popular now. For example: Tennyson's poetry was then popular, but nowadays, it's not as widely read.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Clinton was president then, popular and charismatic.

The New York Times

D'Angelico's first archtop was a nearly exact copy of the Gibson L5, then popular.

The New York Times - Arts

Beyond music, "Soul Train" showcased dances and clothing styles then popular among young blacks.

The New York Times - Arts

In his earliest works Dance created graceful versions of the Neoclassical style then popular in England.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"By then, popular toys sell out, as the factory is too remote to restart production.

The Guardian

Always strongly religious, Leopold practiced a pietism then popular in Germany.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Ellington took piano lessons and began playing the then-popular ragtime music.

The New York Times

The Reagan administration, in espousing the then-popular Chicago School of economics beliefs, discounted concerns over monopolies.

Harvard Business Review

The first time the couple met was in 1964 at a photo session for the then-popular pop magazine London Life.

The New York Times

Blake's primary aim was not to produce a more maneuverable wave-riding board; he wanted a faster board to compete in the then-popular paddling races.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Walsh eschewed the conventions of the then-popular film noir to make this an homage to Warner Brothers's crime pictures of the early 1930s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then popular" to provide historical context or to contrast past trends with present ones. For example, "The art deco style, then popular, is now experiencing a revival."

Common error

Avoid using "then popular" when referring to current trends. "Then" indicates a past time, so the phrase should only be used to describe something that was popular in the past, not something that is currently popular.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then popular" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. It modifies a noun by specifying that its popularity was confined to a particular time in the past. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in describing past trends and cultural phenomena.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then popular" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something that was popular in the past. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to provide historical context, often contrasting past trends with the present. The phrase enjoys a neutral register, appearing in diverse sources from news articles to encyclopedias. While "then popular" is prevalent across several contexts, it is most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki. Remember to avoid using it when referring to current trends; its purpose is to highlight past popularity. If unsure, consider alternatives like "formerly in vogue" or "at that time fashionable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in vogue back then

Emphasizes the time period when something was trendy.

popular at that point

Indicates popularity at a certain point in time.

at that time fashionable

Highlights the temporal and stylistic aspect of being "popular".

all the rage back then

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a past trend.

formerly in vogue

Focuses on the fashion aspect of popularity.

the trend at the time

Refers to a specific trend that was dominant.

widely accepted at the time

Highlights the acceptance aspect of popularity.

the fashion of the day

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate temporal popularity.

the prevailing taste then

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance and preference.

what everyone liked then

Explains the meaning using simpler language.

FAQs

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

Use "then popular" to describe trends, styles, or ideas that were prevalent at a specific time in the past. For example, "Bell-bottom jeans were "then popular", but now skinny jeans are more common."

What's a good alternative to "then popular"?

Alternatives to "then popular" include "formerly in vogue", "at that time fashionable", or "in vogue back then". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "than popular" instead of "then popular"?

No, "than popular" is grammatically incorrect in this context. "Then" refers to a specific time, while "than" is used for comparisons. Therefore, ""then popular"" is the correct phrase.

What's the difference between "then popular" and "now popular"?

"Then popular" refers to something that was popular in the past, while "now popular" refers to something that is currently popular. These phrases are used to contrast trends across different time periods. For instance, "Vinyl records were "then popular", but streaming music is "now popular"."