what then

USAGE SUMMARY

"what then" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase "what then" can be used to ask a question in a variety of situations. For example: "I told him to stop, but he didn't listen - what then?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What, then?

The Guardian - Tech

What Then?

The New York Times

On what then?

The Economist

What, then, of Germany?

The Guardian

JUDGE: From what, then?

The New Yorker

What, then, of touchscreens?

The New Yorker

So, what then?

The New York Times

What then? what rests?

The New Yorker

But what then?

The New York Times

What then is Coughlin?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then what?

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what then" to introduce a question that follows logically from a previous statement or situation. It helps to build a clear, sequential argument or narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "what then" when the question doesn't directly relate to the preceding context. Ensure the question flows logically from the previous statement to maintain coherence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "what then" is to serve as an interrogative phrase, prompting further inquiry or seeking clarification following a statement or situation. As Ludwig shows, it is a versatile construction, found in various contexts, often leading to a search for solutions, consequences, or next steps.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what then" functions as a grammatically sound interrogative phrase widely used to solicit further information or logical consequences, following a prior statement. According to Ludwig, its versatility makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, spanning news, academic, and scientific domains. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. When using "what then", ensure its relevance to the preceding context to maintain coherence. For alternative expressions, consider phrases such as "so what happens next" or "what is the solution" to emphasize different aspects of the inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so what happens next

Focuses specifically on the sequence of events and their progression.

what is the consequence

Highlights the result or outcome of a particular action or situation.

what does that imply

Emphasizes the indirect suggestion or underlying meaning.

what follows from that

Indicates a logical deduction or subsequent development.

in that case, what

Sets a conditional scenario before posing the question.

what is the next step

Concerns the progression of actions or procedures.

what is the solution

Directly seeks a way to resolve a problem or difficulty.

what's the alternative

Proposes seeking a different option or course of action.

how should we proceed

Seeks guidance on the correct or best way forward.

what are the implications

Explores the broader effects and potential ramifications.

FAQs

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

Use "what then" to inquire about the next step, consequence, or logical conclusion following a statement or situation. For example, "If that's the case, "what then"?"

What phrases are similar to "what then"?

Alternatives include "so what happens next", "what is the consequence", or "what are the implications", each emphasizing different aspects of inquiry.

Is "what then" formal or informal?

"What then" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and tone. It's commonly used in news, academic writing, and everyday conversation.

How does "what then" differ from "so what"?

"What then" implies a sequence or logical progression, asking about what follows. "So what" /s/so+what expresses indifference or challenges the significance of a statement.