then
adverb
UK/ðɛn/US/ðɛn/
At that time; at the time in question.
Example Sentences
Back then, we didn't have smartphones.
She was living in Paris then, but now she resides in New York.
If you finish your homework, then you can watch TV.
I remember when we first met, back then everything was so different.
They moved to a new city, and then they started their own business.
At that time, the technology was not as advanced as it is today.
He was the CEO then, but he has since retired.
If you had told me then, I could have helped you earlier.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
conjunction
UK/ðɛn/US/ðɛn/
And for that reason; therefore.
Example Sentences
She didn't study for the exam, and then she failed.
If you want to succeed, then you need to work harder.
He was late for the meeting, and then he missed the important announcement.
I have no money left, and then I can't buy anything.
They didn't follow the instructions, and then the project didn't turn out as expected.
The weather was bad, and then the flight was canceled.
She was feeling sick, and then she decided to stay home.
He didn't show up on time, and then they started without him.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Marks time order or implies a result following earlier points.In everyday language, this term commonly appears as an adverb or conjunction linking events chronologically or logically. As an adverb, it signals a point in time: “We waited until sunrise, then set off on our trip.” Here, it bridges two actions to show sequence—first, waiting, and after that, departure. In instructions or recipes, you often see it indicate the next step: “Mix the batter thoroughly, then pour it into the pan.”As a conjunction, it can imply a conditional or logical relationship: “If you finish your homework, then you can watch TV.” The second part of the sentence (the allowance to watch TV) follows logically from the completion of the first (finishing homework). When used in that context, it serves as a concise pivot between cause and effect, making instructions or arguments easier to follow.Sometimes, it also appears in compound structures like “and then” or “but then,” providing nuance to transition from one idea to the next. Used thoughtfully, this flexible word keeps your sentences clear, propelling the reader or listener from one idea to another. Make sure to pay attention to your tone and the level of formality. In formal writing, you might replace or reduce repetitive usage of this term with synonyms or rephrasing. However, in more casual contexts, it offers a straightforward way to mark time steps or logical outcomes.
Alternatives
To express similar ideas without repeatedly relying on this term, consider a range of alternatives. For marking time sequence, words like “afterward,” “subsequently,” or “next” can help navigate the timeline of events. For instance, “He brushed his teeth; afterward, he went straight to bed” streamlines the order of actions without using the same word.If you need a causal or conditional link, look to phrases such as “in that case,” “if so,” or “therefore.” These options emphasize the resulting scenario: “If you decide to join, therefore you’ll need to arrive before noon.” For transitions that highlight contrast or an unexpected twist, “however” and “nevertheless” can keep your narrative coherent: “I thought it would rain; nevertheless, the sky stayed clear.” By mixing in these synonyms and connectors, you avoid monotony while retaining the logical or chronological clarity that “then” provides. Whether you’re linking events in a story, outlining a series of steps in a manual, or laying out arguments in an essay, these alternative words and phrases help keep your message focused and varied in style, preventing dull repetition. Used with care, they can convey a similar sense of progression or cause-and-effect while enriching your writing or conversation.
Writing
When incorporating this term into your writing, remember that it often serves as a transitional cue. As you list steps or outline processes, a succinct “then” clarifies the sequence for readers: “Complete the paperwork, then submit it to the main office.” This direct style is especially helpful in guides, manuals, or any piece where you need to present a linear procedure.However, be mindful of repetition. If each sentence begins with “then,” your writing may sound overly simplistic or robotic. Try weaving in words like “next,” “afterward,” or “subsequently” to maintain variety. Also, be aware of the clarity of your timeline. If your text jumps around in chronology, consider using explicit time markers—“Later that evening,” “Early the next morning”—to prevent confusion. Occasionally, you might replace “then” with more descriptive or context-specific phrases, like “at that moment” or “once the final check was done,” to deliver a more vivid sense of timing.Additionally, “then” can highlight a logical conclusion—“If this premise holds, then the theory applies.” In more formal or academic settings, you might interchange “then” with “thus,” “therefore,” or “in that event” if you want to elevate your tone or emphasize the causal relationship. By balancing directness, variety, and contextual clues, you ensure that your usage of this small yet powerful term supports clear, structured writing.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “then” naturally helps keep narratives fluid and easy to follow, serving as a signpost that guides your listener through the progression of events. For instance, if someone asks about your weekend, you might say, “I got up early, then I went jogging, and then I grabbed coffee with a friend.” This simple structure gives them a clear timeline.You’ll also hear it in casual instructions: “Drive straight for two miles, then turn left at the pharmacy.” It’s short, direct, and universally understood. In playful or informal chats, you might stack “then” to create suspense: “We saw a strange shadow, and then the lights flickered, and then… you won’t believe what happened!” Here, the word heightens anticipation by leading the audience step-by-step into a story. You can also use it to emphasize a reaction triggered by something else: “Oh, so you forgot your ticket again? Then we’ll have to go back for it.”Still, repetition can wear out its effect. If every second sentence in your anecdote starts with “then,” it might sound monotone. Mixing in terms like “after that,” “so,” or “next” breaks up the pattern. Overall, “then” remains a trustworthy staple in relaxed conversation. Whether you’re summarizing your day or detailing an action plan, sprinkling it in keeps your storyline coherent and your tone approachable and down-to-earth.
Etymology
The word “then” hails from the Old English term “þanne” or “þænne,” originally tied to the concept of time or a specific moment. As the language evolved through Middle English, the spelling and usage stabilized into the modern “then.” Linguistically, its function broadened: not only did it indicate a point in time, but it also became a logical connector, bridging cause and effect.By the Late Middle Ages, merchants, scholars, and travelers consistently needed ways to mark sequences and draw conclusions in conversations and texts, further embedding this term into common parlance. Its presence in the King James Bible (early 17th century), for example, contributed to widespread recognition and standardization. Over centuries, English speakers found this short, efficient word indispensable for narrating events in chronological order and linking clauses that convey outcomes or conditions.Today, “then” remains a high-frequency word, shaping both spoken and written communication in everyday settings. Whether used as a simple transitional adverb—“We finished dinner, then washed the dishes”—or a nuanced signal in a conditional statement—“If it rains, then we’ll need an umbrella”—it consistently merges time, logic, and consequence. Its longevity and adaptability highlight how crucial it is in creating a clear, connected flow within English discourse.
