they will then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they will then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a sequence of actions or events that will occur after a previous action has taken place. Example: "After completing the initial phase of the project, they will then move on to the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They will then select the chief executive.

The New York Times

They will then turn to terrorism.

Independent

They will then acquire the Palestinian nationality".

The New Yorker

They will then start sales.

The New York Times

They will then reproduce the published results.

Yale University

They will then decide on the retouching.

The Guardian - Arts

They will then go for Gordon.

The Guardian

They will then be formally introduced.

The Guardian

They will then cram into St.

The New York Times - Sports

They will then work together to create a relevant curriculum.

The Economist

They will then develop and become more organised".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they will then" to clearly indicate the chronological order of events, ensuring readers understand the sequence of actions. This is especially useful in instructions, narratives, and explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "they will then" in very simple sentences where the sequence is already obvious. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less fluid. In such cases, simpler transitional words or phrases might be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they will then" functions as a sequence marker, indicating that the action described will occur after a previous action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure. The examples show its use in describing a sequence of events or steps.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

22%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they will then" is a commonly used phrase to indicate a sequence of events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic, and general writing. While effective for clarity, overuse should be avoided to maintain writing flow. Consider alternatives like "they will subsequently" or "they will next" for varied expression. Understanding its function and context will enhance your writing's precision and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they will subsequently

Replaces "then" with "subsequently", indicating a later point in time or a following action.

they will afterwards

Uses "afterwards" instead of "then" to denote what happens at a later time.

they will next

Emphasizes the immediate sequence, focusing on the very next action.

they will proceed to

More formal, indicates a structured progression to the next step.

they will go on to

Similar to 'proceed to', implying a continuation to the next action.

after that, they will

Adds an explicit temporal marker, making the sequence very clear.

following this, they will

Highlights the dependency of the next action on the completion of the previous one.

as a result, they will

Indicates that the following action is a direct consequence of the preceding one.

consequently, they will

Similar to 'as a result', emphasizing the consequential nature of the action.

they will in turn

Suggests a chain reaction, where the action leads to further actions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they will then" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "they will subsequently", "they will thereafter", or "they will proceed to". These options offer a more sophisticated way to indicate the sequence of actions.

Is there a difference between "they will then" and "then they will"?

While both phrases indicate a sequence, "they will then" is generally smoother and more common in written English. "Then they will" can sometimes sound slightly awkward or emphasize the 'then' more strongly.

Can "they will then" be used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship?

While "they will then" primarily indicates a sequence of events, it can imply a cause-and-effect relationship if the context supports it. For a more direct indication of cause and effect, consider using phrases like "as a result, they will" or "consequently, "they will"".

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "they will then"?

A common mistake is overusing "they will then" in close proximity to other sequencing words or phrases. This can create redundancy and weaken the writing. Ensure that the use of "they will then" adds clarity rather than unnecessary repetition.