then

[ðɛn]

then Definition

  • 1at that time; at the time in question
  • 2next; afterward
  • 3in that case; therefore

Using then: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "then" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I was living in Cairo then.

  • Example

    We'll go to the park, then we'll get some ice cream.

  • Example

    If you don't want to come, then you can stay here.

  • Example

    He was young then, but he's old now.

then Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for then

Phrases with then

  • now and then

    occasionally or infrequently

    Example

    I still see her now and then.

  • occasionally or infrequently, but regularly

    Example

    Every now and then, I like to treat myself to a fancy dinner.

  • and then some

    used to emphasize that there is more of something than has been mentioned

    Example

    The project took a year to complete, and cost $50,000 - and then some.

Origins of then

Old English 'thanne', related to 'than', from Germanic base of 'that' and 'there'

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Summary: then in Brief

The word 'then' [ðɛn] refers to a specific time or event in the past, often used to describe a sequence of events. It can also be used to indicate a logical conclusion or result, as in 'If you don't want to come, then you can stay here.' Phrases like 'now and then' and 'every now and then' denote occasional occurrences, while 'and then some' emphasizes that there is more of something than has been mentioned.

How do native speakers use this expression?