which then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'which then' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used in order to refer to a preceding clause. For example: "The temperature outside was below freezing, which then caused the pipes to burst."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Which then should it be?

The Guardian - Opinion

Which then becomes game Djokovic.

The Guardian - Sport

"Modafinil might activate dopamine, which then activates norepinephrine, which then activates histamine, for example.

The New York Times - Health

In 1887, they published a paper, which then influenced Einstein.

The New York Times

Bari Jay sells to stores, which then sell to customers.

The New York Times

The realization alarmed Interactive Brokers, which then abandoned the deal.

The New York Times

(Which then, you may recall, swept the country).

The New Yorker

The N.S.A. informed the F.B.I., which then warned the banks.

The New Yorker

AT&T Wireless went back to Vodafone, which then matched.

The New York Times

He joined Elizabeth Arden, which then produced a couture line.

The New York Times

It was originally Aggis, which then became Scottish.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which then" to clearly show the direct consequence or next step in a sequence of events. This helps maintain clarity and logical flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "which then" in very simple sentences where a direct subject-verb-object structure would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which then" functions as a relative clause connector, linking a preceding clause to its consequence or subsequent event. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it serves to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses, making the sequence of events clear to the reader.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which then" is a versatile phrase used to connect a clause to its immediate consequence, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and commonly found in various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. To effectively use "which then", ensure it clearly links a preceding clause to its direct result, avoiding overuse in simple sentences to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "consequently" or "as a result" for variety. As Ludwig's analysis shows, mastering this phrase will enhance the logical flow and coherence of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which in turn

Highlights a chain reaction or series of events.

and subsequently

Emphasizes the following action or event.

whereupon

Formal alternative, implying immediate consequence.

leading to

Points out the cause-and-effect relationship.

as a result

Focuses on the outcome or consequence.

consequently

Highlights the logical consequence.

thereby causing

More emphatic about the direct cause.

and as a consequence

Similar to "as a result" but slightly more formal.

following that

Simple sequential indicator.

after which

Indicates temporal sequence.

FAQs

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

Use "which then" to connect a clause that describes a result or consequence to a previous clause. For example, "The rain stopped, "which then" allowed the game to continue".

What are some alternatives to using "which then"?

You can use alternatives such as "consequently", "as a result", or "and subsequently", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include a comma before "which then"?

Yes, when "which then" introduces a nonrestrictive clause (a clause that adds extra information but is not essential to the sentence's meaning), it should be preceded by a comma. However, if the clause is essential, the comma is not needed.

What's the difference between "which then" and "that then"?

"Which then" is used to introduce a nonrestrictive clause, while "that then" is generally not grammatically correct. Use "which then" to add extra information that doesn't define the noun it modifies.