would then

USAGE SUMMARY

"would then" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which the result of one action leads to another. For example, "If he started the car, it would then be able to drive to the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They would then be beaten.

The Guardian

Default would then be likely.

The New York Times

The market would then fail.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He would then be fired.

Independent

The government would then collapse.

The Economist

Beeber would then tell about his exploits.

The New Yorker

Default would then be the only option.

Independent

"It would then go to the courts.

The New York Times

We would then drive to Wendover.

The New Yorker

The census would then be adjusted accordingly.

The Economist

Lawyers would then shop for friendly jurisdictions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would then", ensure the context makes it clear that the second action is a predictable or logical consequence of the first. This avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "would then" in situations where the sequence is obvious and doesn't require explicit connection. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would then" primarily functions as an adverbial connector, linking two clauses to indicate a sequence of events where the second event is a consequence or result of the first. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would then" is a versatile phrase that serves as an adverbial connector, effectively linking events in a cause-and-effect sequence. As Ludwig AI states, it is appropriate for written English and commonly used to describe situations where one action's result leads to another. It's prevalent in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, signaling its appropriateness for formal and neutral registers. While highly useful for creating logical flow, it's essential to avoid overuse in simple sequences to maintain writing clarity. Remember to consider alternatives like "would subsequently" or "would therefore" to enhance your writing's precision and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would therefore

Similar to "would consequently" but might imply a logical conclusion.

would subsequently

Emphasizes a formal and chronological sequence of events.

would consequently

Highlights that the second action is a direct result of the first.

would as a result

Directly states that the second action is an outcome of the first.

would afterwards

Focuses on the timing, indicating something happens after a specific event.

would accordingly

Indicates that the second action is adjusted or adapted based on the first.

would thereafter

Implies a lasting sequence of events following an initial action.

would following that

Places emphasis on a very clear temporal succession.

would in turn

Suggests a cyclical effect where the second action influences something else.

would on that account

A more formal way of saying because of that, indicating consequence.

FAQs

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

"Would then" is used to express a consequence or result that follows a specific condition or action. For example, "If the experiment succeeds, we "would then" publish the results."

What are some alternatives to "would then"?

You can use alternatives such as "would subsequently", "would therefore", or "would consequently" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "will then" instead of "would then"?

While both can be used to indicate a sequence, "would then" often implies a hypothetical or conditional scenario, whereas "will then" suggests a more definite future outcome. The choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "would then" and "would afterward"?

"Would then" emphasizes the consequential relationship between two actions, whereas "would afterward" simply indicates a temporal sequence without necessarily highlighting a direct cause-and-effect.