there and then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there and then" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something happened at a specific time and place, often implying immediacy or decisiveness. Example: "She made the decision to leave the job there and then, without any hesitation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She made the appointment there and then.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I quit my job there and then".

Independent

"They just fitted it there and then.

The Guardian

It's out there, and then some.

The Washington Post

Any honeymoon period ended there and then.

The Guardian - Sport

I almost quit there and then.

The Guardian - Film

Robbie was there, and then Matt arrived.

The Guardian - Travel

To work there, and then to steal.

The New Yorker

"We left there and then," he says.

The Guardian - Sport

Someone was there and then gone.

The New York Times - Magazine

I had lunch there, and then went straight on Buffalo.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there and then" to emphasize the spontaneity or decisiveness of an action taken at a specific time and place. It adds a sense of immediacy to your writing.

Common error

While acceptable, "there and then" may sound informal in some professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "immediately" or "at that moment" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there and then" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when and where an action occurred. Ludwig's examples show this usage across a range of contexts, emphasizing immediacy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there and then" is a commonly used adverbial phrase indicating that something happened immediately and in a specific place. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral-to-informal register, making it suitable for news and general writing but potentially less appropriate for strictly formal contexts where alternatives like "immediately" might be preferred. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to emphasize spontaneity and decisiveness, adding a sense of immediacy to narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately

Single word alternative focusing on the immediacy of the action.

at once

Short phrase emphasizing the lack of delay.

without delay

Highlights the absence of any waiting period.

instantaneously

Emphasizes the immediate nature of the action.

on the spot

Focuses on the location where the decision/action happens.

in that instant

Highlights the specific moment in time.

at that very moment

Adds emphasis to the timing of the event.

right away

Informal way to express immediate action.

forthwith

A more formal and archaic way to say immediately.

directly

Implies an action taken without intervening steps.

FAQs

What does the phrase "there and then" mean?

The phrase "there and then" means immediately and at the place mentioned. It emphasizes that something happened without delay at a specific location.

How can I use "there and then" in a sentence?

You can use "there and then" to show that a decision was made or an action was taken immediately at a particular place. For example: "She decided "at that moment" that she would quit her job."

What are some alternatives to "there and then"?

Some alternatives to "there and then" include "immediately", "at once", "on the spot", or "at that very moment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "there and then" formal or informal?

"There and then" is generally considered to be somewhat informal. While it is acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like "immediately" or "without delay" might be more appropriate for academic or professional writing.