adv

then

thehn

adv

At that time (in the past or future).

"We were still in school then."

"Come back at noon — I'll be free then."

Next in a sequence of events or steps.

"Add the eggs, then whisk until smooth."

As a consequence; in that case.

"If you're tired, then go to bed."

How to Use Then

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRefers to a point in time, the next step in a sequence, or a logical consequence.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "than" (used in comparisons): "back then" vs "better than."

Easily confused with

than →

Thens plural

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We were still in school _____.

From Old English þonne — originally the same word as "than," which split off into a separate spelling for comparisons.

and then followed by as a result ensuingly therewhile followingly hereafter syne

before previously prior to

next before therefore thus beyond syne previously afterlife

hen when Chen shen Zhen Cohen lichen kitchen Chechen Stephen toughen freshen

and then followed by as a result ensuingly therewhile followingly hereafter syne before previously prior to next