will then

USAGE SUMMARY

"will then" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce the consequence of an earlier action or statement. For example: "I will finish the report tomorrow; I will then submit it to my supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many will then smile.

The New York Times

I will then tell you.

Independent

You will then have data.

The New York Times

Bankruptcy will then loom large.

The Economist

KKR (Guernsey) will then dissolve.

The New York Times

We will then see".

The Guardian

He will then puke.

The Guardian - Film

(Both shows will then travel to America).

The Economist

The sparks will then really fly.

The Economist

He will then attack this imaginary Popper.

The New Yorker

They will then select the chief executive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will then" to clearly indicate the sequence of events, making it easier for readers to follow your line of reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "will then" in very simple sentences where the sequence is already obvious. In these cases, simpler words such as "next" or "afterwards" can be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will then" functions as an adverbial phrase, linking two future events in a sequential manner. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to clearly indicate the order in which actions will take place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

31%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will then" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a sequence of future events. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to establish chronological order, especially in instructions, explanations, and news reports. While it maintains a neutral register, more formal alternatives exist for specific contexts. It is most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media, making it a versatile tool for expressing sequential actions in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after that

A more direct and simple way to express the order of events.

subsequently

Replaces the entire "will then" construction with a single adverb indicating sequence.

following this

Highlights the connection to the preceding action or event.

thereafter

Similar to "subsequently", providing a more formal alternative to indicate what comes after.

afterward

Indicates a time relationship, signifying something that happens at a later time.

next

A concise way to indicate the subsequent step or action.

in turn

Emphasizes a cause-and-effect relationship in a sequence of events.

consequently

Focuses on the result of the first action as triggering the subsequent action.

at that point

Focuses on a specific moment in time when the next action occurs.

upon doing so

More formal and emphasizes the condition that triggers the subsequent action.

FAQs

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

Use "will then" to show a sequence of actions. For example: "I will finish the report, I "will then" submit it."

What are some alternatives to "will then"?

Some alternatives include "subsequently", "after that", or "thereafter". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "will then" formal or informal?

"Will then" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives like "subsequently" might be preferable in certain contexts.

What is the difference between "will then" and "will also"?

"Will then" indicates a sequence of events, whereas "will also" indicates an additional action that occurs concurrently or independently. "I will eat dinner, I "will then" watch TV" implies watching TV after dinner. "I will eat dinner, I "will also" have dessert" means both actions occur but not necessarily in that order.