FluencyCraft

then

"Then" is a small but very busy word in English. It works in a few different ways — as an adverb of time, as an adverb showing logical consequence, and sometimes as an adjective. Here are the most common and useful senses.

1adverbat that time

Use 'then' to point to a specific moment in the past or future — not now, but at some other time. Think of it as a pointer: 'back then' means at that past moment, and 'by then' means by that future moment.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

I was a student back then, so I didn't have much money.

She will have finished the project by then.

Life was very different then — there were no smartphones.

2adverbnext in a sequence

When you are describing steps or events in order, 'then' means 'after that' or 'next'. It connects one action to the next, like links in a chain.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

First, boil the water. Then, add the pasta.

We had dinner, and then we went for a walk.

She opened the door, then stepped inside.

3adverbas a result / in that case

This is the logical use of 'then'. When you say 'if A, then B', you mean that B follows as a consequence of A. It shows that one thing leads to another. You also use it to draw a conclusion from what someone just said.

everyday language, logic · Modern, widely used

If you are tired, then you should go to bed.

'I don't want pizza.' — 'What do you want to eat, then?'

If that is true, then we need to change our plan.

4adverbalso / in addition

Sometimes 'then' is used to add one more point to what you are already saying — similar to 'besides' or 'on top of that'. It adds extra weight to an argument.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The hotel was expensive, and then there were the flight costs too.

He is a great cook, and then he is also very funny.

The work is hard, and then you have to deal with the long hours.

5adjectiveexisting at that time

Used before a noun, 'then' can describe someone's role or title at a specific point in the past. It tells you that the person held that position at that time, but probably not anymore.

formal writing, journalism · Formal, common in written English

The decision was made by the then president of the company.

The then prime minister announced the new policy in 2005.

Her then boyfriend is now her husband.

Content generated by AI — may contain inaccuracies