then

Everyday

1. Then means next, after that. tree →
2. Then means at that time in the past or future: «I was little then». tree →
3. Then means «so» or «in that case»: «If it rains, then we stay in». tree →
4. (casual) «Then» at the end of a question means «so»: «How many he got left then?», «Right then, let's go». tree →
5. (casual) «then» is often typed «than» by mistake. tree →
6. (formal) Exams say «subsequently», «thereafter», «thereupon», «at that time» and «in which case». tree →

In the lessons

the next step or event in the story; in maths it orders the steps: first … then …; «if … then …» gives a rule; phrases: «and then», «just then», «by then», «now and then», «since then», «but then»; in casual talk «right then», «go on then», «what then?», «then like»; in rough talk «go on then, try it» (a dare or a challenge); in the exam voice «subsequently», «thereafter», «whereupon»

Examples

• Max found 1 book and then found 1 more. tree →
• Anna had 8 stickers, then she gave 3 away. tree →
• First add the tens, then add the ones. tree →
• If a number ends in 0, then it can be divided by 10. tree →
• We lived in Ireland then. tree →
• Just then, the bell rang. tree →
• By then, the snow had melted. tree →
• So how many he got left then? tree →
• Right then, 4 each, let's go. tree →
• Go on then, eat it, see if I care. tree →
• A merchant acquired 20 units and subsequently disposed of 7. Thereafter he acquired 5. State the final holding. tree →
• Now and then we get pizza. tree →
• And then a strange thing happened. tree →

Note

Marks a second event in order; the verb that follows decides the operation. Trap: do not mix up «then» (time, next) and «than» (comparing): «bigger than», not «bigger then». «subsequently» and «thereafter» in an exam mean then, after that. «then» at the end of a casual question adds nothing to the numbers.

In Jewish tradition

the next step or event in the story; in maths it orders the steps: first … then …; «if … then …» gives a rule; phrases: «and then», «just then», «by then», «now and then», «since then», «but then»; in casual talk «right then», «go on then», «what then?», «then like»; in rough talk «go on then, try it» (a dare or a challenge); in the exam voice «subsequently», «thereafter», «whereupon»

Examples

• And the Canaanite was then in the land. (Torah GEN.12.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. (Torah GEN.32.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.' (Torah GEN.31.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• But what is it even then? (Prophets 1KI.14.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then the king hearkened unto them. (Writings 2CH.24.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then was the king's wrath assuaged. (Writings EST.7.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Marks a second event in order; the verb that follows decides the operation. Trap: do not mix up «then» (time, next) and «than» (comparing): «bigger than», not «bigger then». «subsequently» and «thereafter» in an exam mean then, after that. «then» at the end of a casual question adds nothing to the numbers.