they then

USAGE SUMMARY

"they then" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "they then" when describing something that someone did in sequence or as a result of a prior action. For example, "The students completed their exams, they then celebrated with a party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They then opened fire.

The New York Times

"They then reviewed everything".

Independent

They then married secretly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Where were they then?

Independent

They then cut Young.

The New York Times - Sports

They then fled.

The New York Times

Did they then fight?

The Guardian - Music

They then sink to theft".

The New York Times

They then set sail again.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Are they, then, 'bad feminists'?

Independent

Do they then have sex?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they then" to clearly indicate a sequence of events performed by the same subject. It enhances clarity and temporal order in narratives or instructions.

Common error

Avoid using "they then" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, consider more sophisticated transition words like "subsequently" or "thereafter" for a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "they then" is to act as a temporal connector. It links actions performed by a group, indicating that one action follows another in sequence. As Ludwig points out, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they then" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate a sequence of actions performed by the same subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a temporal connector and is frequently found in news and media sources. While appropriate for general use, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or highly professional writing. Remember to employ "they then" to establish clear chronological order, but avoid overuse, opting for alternatives like "subsequently" or "thereafter" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

next, they

Uses a common sequencing adverb to introduce the subsequent action.

subsequently they

Reorders the words while maintaining the temporal sequence.

afterward they

A single word adverb indicating something happened at a later time.

thereafter they

Uses a more formal adverb to indicate the following action.

following that, they

Adds an introductory phrase to emphasize the sequential nature.

after that, they

Similar to "following that", but slightly less formal.

they proceeded to

Emphasizes the continuation of action after a previous one.

they went on to

Indicates a progression to another action or event.

they accordingly

Implies that their following action was logical and suitable.

they therefore

Indicates that their following action was logical and suitable.

FAQs

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

"They then" is used to describe a sequence of actions by the same subject. For example, "The team completed the first phase; they then moved on to the second."

What are some alternatives to "they then"?

Alternatives include "subsequently", "thereafter", "after that", or "next", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "they then"?

Starting a sentence with "they then" is grammatically correct, especially when it directly follows a previous sentence describing a preceding action. However, ensure smooth flow and avoid overuse for stylistic reasons.

What's the difference between "they then" and "they afterwards"?

Both "they then" and "they afterwards" indicate a sequence, but "they then" suggests a more immediate temporal connection, while "they afterwards" implies a slightly longer or less direct time interval between the actions.