then that

USAGE SUMMARY

'then that' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use 'then that' to refer back to a previous thought or idea in a sentence. For example: "I'm not sure about what to do next - then that means I have to make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's then that Capt.

The New York Times - Books

Then that happened.

Independent

Then that wasn't enough.

Independent

Then that happens.

Independent

And then that was all".

The New Yorker

Then, that summer, everything changed.

The New Yorker

And then that was it.

Independent

"But then that doesn't happen.

The New York Times

And then that word: cancer.

The New York Times

Then that wolf was shot.

The New York Times

But then that is another issue.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then that" to create a smooth transition between events or ideas, ensuring clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "then that" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Replace it with more specific transitions or rephrase the sentence for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

"Then that" primarily functions as a transitional phrase, connecting ideas or events in a sequence. As Ludwig examples show, it often introduces a consequence or next step following a prior action or situation. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then that" is a versatile transitional phrase widely used to connect ideas or events sequentially. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. While prevalent in News & Media and informal contexts, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider more precise alternatives for formal writing. The expert rating highlights its consistent usage and source authority, making it a reliable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after that

Focuses on the temporal sequence, similar to "then that" but with a more direct indication of time passing.

subsequently

Implies a sequence of events, with a slightly more formal tone than "then that".

thereupon

Indicates something happening immediately after something else, carrying a more formal and literary tone compared to "then that".

at that point

Specifies a particular moment in time when something occurs, similar to "then that" in marking a transition.

following that

Highlights the chronological order, with a clearer emphasis on what comes next.

as a result

Shifts the focus to the consequence of a preceding event, implying causation more strongly than "then that".

consequently

Emphasizes the logical outcome or result of what was mentioned before, similar to "then that" but with stronger causation.

in that case

Introduces a conditional element, where something follows based on a particular situation or condition.

that being said

Signals a transition or contrast to a previous statement, used to introduce a new perspective.

with that in mind

Indicates that a previous consideration influences a subsequent action or thought, emphasizing the mental connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "then that" to refer back to a previous thought or idea, indicating a sequence or consequence. For example, "I finished my work, "then that" meant I could relax."

What are some alternatives to "then that"?

Alternatives to "then that" include "after that", "subsequently", or "at that point", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "then that"?

While it's not always the most formal or elegant choice, starting a sentence with "then that" is generally acceptable, especially in informal writing or speech, to emphasize the sequence of events.

How does the meaning of "then that" differ from "so that"?

"Then that" typically indicates a sequence of events, whereas "so that" implies a purpose or result. "Then that" shows what happened next, while "so that" explains why something was done.