then to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a sequence of events or conditions that lead to a state of being. Example: "He was determined to finish his project, then to be recognized for his hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then to be.

The New Yorker

Why not choose, then, to be happy?

The Guardian - Opinion

A tough moment, then, to be bearish?

The Guardian - Business

Let us admit this, then, to be the amatory art.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Seek to understand and then to be understood.

Cornell University

Then, to be safe, they doubled those estimates.

The Washington Post

A bad time, then, to be cutting back on "R".

The Economist

(source) Like Then: "to be suitable or agreeable to".

Independent

Not pale blue dots, then, to be sure.

The Economist

Housing might turn out then to be quite the fight.

The Economist

His ambition is then to be given full executive powers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then to be" to clearly indicate a sequence of actions or a resulting state. It helps establish a cause-and-effect relationship in your writing.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where "then to be" leads to excessive passive voice. Aim for active constructions to make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then to be" functions as a connector indicating a sequence or consequence. It commonly links an action or condition with a resultant state. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains showcasing this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then to be" serves as a versatile connector, illustrating temporal or causal relationships across diverse writing styles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While common, mindful application is key, especially regarding potential passive voice overuse. Remember the alternatives discussed to add sophistication. Always make sure to keep in mind the alternatives and sentence structure to express more formal connections between clauses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently to exist

Emphasizes a later point in time or order of existence, slightly more formal.

thereafter to become

Implies a formal sequence of events leading to a change in state.

later to arise

Focuses on the emergence or appearance at a subsequent time.

afterward to result

Highlights the outcome or consequence following a prior action.

in due course to materialize

Suggests something will happen or become real at an appropriate time in the future.

eventually to transpire

Indicates that something will occur or become known over time, often unexpectedly.

in the future to develop

Focuses on the growth or evolution of something at a later stage.

down the line to emerge

Implies that something will come into existence or become apparent at a later, unspecified time.

in time to surface

Suggests that something will become known or visible after a period.

at a later date to form

Highlights the creation or establishment of something at a subsequent time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "then to be" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "subsequently to exist", "thereafter to become", or "afterward to result", depending on the specific context.

Is "then to be" always necessary in a sentence?

No, "then to be" can often be replaced with a simpler construction for brevity. For instance, instead of "He studied diligently, then to be accepted into the university," you could write "He studied diligently and was then accepted into the university".

What is the difference between "then to be" and "and then"?

"Then to be" emphasizes a state or condition resulting from a previous action, while "and then" simply indicates a sequence of events without necessarily implying a direct causal relationship.

Can "then to be" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "then to be" is less common and may sound awkward. It's generally better to restructure the sentence for clarity and flow. A better way to write that would be "Subsequently, ...", "Thereafter, ..." or "After that, ..."