then thereafter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then thereafter" is used in written English.
It typically means "after that," and is most often used when referring to two events that occurred in succession. For example, "John purchased a new car, then thereafter he joined a car club."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If they had struggled to lunch, the ball as mistimed as a Godfrey Bloom soundbite, then thereafter, as the pair adjusted and the pitch gained a fraction of pace as any moisture dried, they batted much as they pleased.

The Guardian - Sport

The number of cells lining the hole walls at each time point increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to data at 2 days, and then thereafter from nine to 16 and to 23 days.

Fluids and Barriers of the CNS

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

That gives us the best possible chance of winning the challenges which may then occur thereafter".

The Guardian

"And then, shortly thereafter, the knocking on the door began," she told me.

The New Yorker

It seems likely that the one who stumbles then will thereafter never recover.

Independent

And then shortly thereafter you could hear the planes overhead and you could feel the bombs thudding, thudding, thudding.

The Guardian - Film

For this reason, changes to Olympic basketball should be expected, if not in time for 2016 then shortly thereafter.

The Economist

Primus is the cheapest (just) - its landline costs £14.95 and broadband can be added for £2 for six months and then £4/month thereafter, with £15 cashback.

The Guardian - Money

And speaking of Sept. 11, Sergeant Farina spent 18-hour days then and thereafter at ground zero and at a staging area in Newark.

The New York Times

Sharif's consultation then, and thereafter, was enough to help Booker overcome, but not quite vanquish, the impression that he was an Ivy League operator.

The New Yorker

"After a rapid rise, the number of friends peaks for people in their late teenage years, and then declines thereafter," wrote Stephen Wolfram, a scientist and entrepreneur.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using simpler alternatives like "after that" or "subsequently" in less formal contexts for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "then thereafter" in everyday conversation; it may sound stilted. Opt for more natural phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then thereafter" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating sequence or time. It modifies a verb or clause by specifying when an action occurred in relation to another. Ludwig highlights its use in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then thereafter" serves as an adverbial phrase used to denote a sequence of events. Although grammatically correct, Ludwig identifies it as relatively rare and more suited for formal contexts such as scientific or news writing. Simpler alternatives like "after that" or "subsequently" may be more appropriate for less formal settings. While "then thereafter" effectively conveys a chronological order, its infrequent usage can sometimes make writing sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thereafter

Omits "then" for a slightly more concise expression.

after that

Simpler and more common way to express the sequence of events.

following that

More formal alternative to "after that".

subsequently

Single word replacement to convey the meaning of "afterward".

afterward

Single word replacement to convey similar meaning.

thereupon

More archaic and formal synonym for "then".

next

Brief way to describe the next action in a series.

from then on

Indicates a continuous action or state after a specific point in time.

at that point

Emphasizes a specific moment when the subsequent action occurs.

in due course

Expresses that something happened after a reasonable amount of time.

FAQs

What does "then thereafter" mean?

The phrase "then thereafter" means after that or subsequently. It's used to indicate a sequence of events.

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

Example: "The initial investment yielded positive results, "then thereafter" the company expanded its operations."

What are some alternatives to "then thereafter"?

Alternatives include "after that", "subsequently", or "afterward". Choose the one that best fits the tone of your writing.

Is it redundant to use both "then" and "thereafter"?

Yes, using both "then" and "thereafter" can be seen as slightly redundant, but it can also add emphasis to the sequence of events. While both words independently indicate that something happened afterwards, using them together creates a deliberate formal tone. Consider your audience when choosing whether to use both.