they did then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they did then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to actions that were taken at a specific time in the past. Example: "When the situation became critical, they did then what was necessary to ensure everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Many sleep, as they did then, on the Todd.

The Guardian

Because if they did, then they would come together".

The New York Times - Sports

But apparently that's not what they did then.

The New York Times

The words "ring as true today as they did then," Mr. Fink wrote.

The New York Times - Arts

It is unlikely that China's neighbors will appreciate this now any more than they did then.

The New York Times

Nor will foreign powers tacitly back a coup as they did then.

The Economist

Middle-income families are making almost 20percentt less, after inflation, than they did then.

The New York Times

And as they did then, officials today announced a series of proposals.

The New York Times

Given all that's happened, Democrats have an angrier, more partisan edge than they did then.

The New York Times

Well, they did then get other companies, called mortgage insurers, to insure at least part of the balance.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If they knew all that -- and they did -- then they did not vote "in good faith".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they did then" to clearly contrast a past action or state with the present, providing context to highlight changes or continuities over time.

Common error

Avoid using "they did then" without a clear reference point in the past. Ensure the 'then' refers to a specific time or situation already established in the text to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they did then" functions as a temporal marker, indicating actions or situations as they existed at a specific point in the past. Ludwig examples show its use in comparing past and present states, highlighting changes or continuities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they did then" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to reference past actions or states. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts to provide historical context and comparisons. When using "they did then", ensure a clear temporal reference to avoid ambiguity and consider alternative phrases such as "they acted at that time" or "they responded back then" for nuanced expressions. By understanding its function and potential alternatives, you can effectively incorporate "they did then" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they acted at that time

Emphasizes the action taken during a specific past period, replacing 'did' with 'acted'.

they responded back then

Highlights a response or reaction in the past, adding specificity to the action.

that's what they did previously

Focuses on a previous action or behavior, using 'previously' to indicate the past.

this is what they used to do

Indicates a habitual action in the past, conveying a sense of routine or custom.

how they behaved in the past

Shifts the focus to overall behavior, emphasizing a general pattern of actions.

their actions at that point

Replaces the verb with a noun phrase, highlighting the specific actions taken.

what they carried out back then

Emphasizes the execution or implementation of actions in the past.

the way they operated then

Focuses on the manner or method in which actions were performed.

the steps they took then

Highlights specific steps or measures taken, adding a sense of procedure.

they proceeded in that manner

Emphasizes the method or style of action, conveying a sense of formality.

FAQs

How can I use "they did then" in a sentence?

Use "they did then" to compare a past action with the current situation, emphasizing a change or similarity over time. For example, "Markets are also much less leveraged, and hedge funds play a considerably smaller role than "they did then"."

What are some alternatives to "they did then"?

Alternatives include "they acted at that time", "they responded back then", or "that's what they did previously", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "they did then back then"?

Yes, using both "then" and "back then" is redundant. Choose one to avoid unnecessary repetition. "They did then" or "they did back then" are both acceptable on their own.

What's the difference between "they did then" and "they do now"?

"They did then" refers to past actions, while "they do now" refers to present actions. Use them to highlight changes over time. For example, "His cruel statements cannot, and should not, be erased, but they mean something different today than "they did then"."