A1 adverb Neutral #72 most common

then

/ðɛn/

Used to refer to a specific point in time in the past or future, or to indicate that one event happens immediately after another in a sequence. It can also be used to mean 'in that case' or 'therefore' when following a condition.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I finished my homework and then I went to the park.

I completed my school assignments and after that I visited the park.

2

The board will review the application; then, a final decision will be made.

The committee will look at the request, and subsequently, they will decide.

3

If you don't like the food, then don't eat it.

In the event that you dislike the meal, in that case, do not consume it.

Word Family

Adverb
then
Adjective
then
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Memory Tip

THEN has an 'E' for 'Time/Event'. THAN has an 'A' for 'Comparison'.

Quick Quiz

First, we will go to the museum, and ______ we will have lunch.

Correct!

The correct answer is: then

Examples

1

I finished my homework and then I went to the park.

everyday

I completed my school assignments and after that I visited the park.

2

The board will review the application; then, a final decision will be made.

formal

The committee will look at the request, and subsequently, they will decide.

3

If you don't like the food, then don't eat it.

informal

In the event that you dislike the meal, in that case, do not consume it.

4

The data was collected over three months; then, the researchers analyzed the trends.

academic

Information was gathered for a quarter of a year, and following that, the experts studied the patterns.

5

We will finalize the contract today and then begin the implementation phase.

business

We are going to sign the legal agreement today and afterwards start the work process.

Word Family

Adverb
then
Adjective
then

Common Collocations

back then at that time in the past
since then from that time until now
until then up to that specific time
just then at that exact moment
and then and after that

Common Phrases

every now and then

occasionally or sometimes

but then

used to introduce a contrasting fact

then and there

immediately at that place and time

Often Confused With

then vs than

'Then' relates to time or sequence, whereas 'than' is used for making comparisons.

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Usage Notes

At the A1 level, focus on using 'then' to connect two actions in order. It is most commonly placed at the beginning of a second clause or sentence.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often write 'better then' when they should write 'better than' for comparisons.

💡

Memory Tip

THEN has an 'E' for 'Time/Event'. THAN has an 'A' for 'Comparison'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'thanne' or 'thonne', which is related to the demonstrative 'that'.

Grammar Patterns

Used as a sentence connector to show sequence. Used after 'if' in conditional sentences. Can function as an adjective meaning 'at that time' (e.g., the then-president).

Quick Quiz

First, we will go to the museum, and ______ we will have lunch.

Correct!

The correct answer is: then

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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