thereafter

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'thereafter' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about a time or event that comes after another one. For example: "We will review the results of the survey, and thereafter make a decision about our next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the greater significance of that day in Dallas – beyond the arguments about the grassy knoll and the Zapruder film – is the effect the killing had on how the Kennedy presidency would be viewed thereafter.

The Guardian

Chris Patten – who must stay – and Tim Davie should be allowed to respond to the evidence that emerges from the various inquiries and thereafter make what are going to be very difficult judgments.

The Guardian

Ashya – The Untold Story will be broadcast on BBC1 in the South at 7.30pm on Friday 10 April, available nationally on BBC iPlayer thereafter.

The Guardian

The letter from Oliphant to Valcke reads: "In view of the decision by the South African government that an amount of USD 10million from the organising committee's future operational budget funding and thereafter advances the amount to the Diaspora Legacy Programme.

The Guardian - Sport

The Brazilian's WhoScored.com rating has soared from a modest 6.83 before Christmas to 7.84 thereafter and a continuation of that form will be key.

The Guardian - Sport

Thereafter the demonisation of independent journalism gathered pace.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stevens clung on until July 1999, aged 63, and entertained himself thereafter as rich peers do, playing golf - a lifelong passion - and making political mischief.

The Guardian

Shortly thereafter, a salacious video for Miley Cyrus's Adore You materialised, in which the singer runs a sly hand down her body to signify that she too will procure her own pleasure – a routine she's also decided to play up on her current Bangerz tour.

The Guardian - Music

And they persuaded the government that the BBC should play a leading role in the switch to digital and thereafter remain a big, strong, well-funded multimedia player.

The Guardian - Opinion

Torino would continue to push for an equaliser thereafter, putting their opponents' increasingly fraught back-line under pressure but never creating a clear-cut chance.

The Guardian - Sport

At the age of 59, he turned to consulting and shortly thereafter found a home in Pakistan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thereafter" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone. It clearly indicates a sequence of events following a specific point in time.

Common error

Avoid using "thereafter" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "after that" or "later" are more appropriate.

How to use

Learn how to use "thereafter" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "thereafter" is as an adverb of time. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate when an action or event occurs in relation to a previous one. As Ludwig confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thereafter" functions as an adverb of time, primarily used to indicate that an event follows a previously mentioned one. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, particularly in formal contexts. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, formal business writing, and scientific publications, indicating a professional and precise tone. For less formal writing, simpler alternatives like "after that" are often more appropriate. While grammatically sound and frequently used, it’s important to consider the context to ensure the register aligns with the intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after that

More common and less formal way of saying "thereafter".

subsequently

Similar in meaning but can also imply a causal relationship, not just a temporal one.

afterward

A more direct and simple synonym for "thereafter".

from then on

Emphasizes the starting point of a new state or condition.

thenceforth

A more archaic and formal synonym of "thereafter".

following that

A more descriptive way to specify the immediate sequence.

in the aftermath

Focuses on the period directly resulting from a specific event.

at a later time

A more general way to indicate a future point in time relative to a past event.

down the line

Informal expression that refers to a time further into the future.

in due course

Suggests that the event will happen when the time is right or expected.

FAQs

How to use "thereafter" in a sentence?

"Thereafter" is used to indicate that something happens after a specific point in time or event. For example, "The contract was signed, and "thereafter", the project commenced".

What can I say instead of "thereafter"?

You can use alternatives like "after that", "subsequently", or "afterward" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "thereafter" or "hereinafter"?

"Thereafter" refers to a time after a specific event, while "hereinafter" refers to something that will be mentioned later in the same document. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "thereafter" and "thereupon"?

"Thereafter" indicates a sequence in time, while "thereupon" implies that something happens immediately and as a direct result of a prior action. Therefore, "thereupon" carries a stronger sense of consequence.