then

Next in sequence

Whether referring to a time other than now or communicating a sequence, then is your go-to adverb.

Then works for both temporal and spatial sequences: Let’s eat and then go to the movie; The photo shows the happy couple in the middle, then the parents, then the bridesmaids.

In indicating things that happen later, then has acquired the meaning of as a consequence: If you’ve spent all your money then you’ll have to go home.

sequence

afterward

At a subsequent time

nextImmediately following in sequence
subsequentlyOccurring after something else
followingComing after another

after · later · ensuing · succeeding · forthcoming · upcoming · eventual · ultimately · finally · lastly

past

back

Reverse side; support

formerlyIn the past
previouslyBefore the present moment
onceAt one time

earlier · before · ago · prior · erstwhile · bygone · olden · that time · remembered · historical

consequence

therefore

For that reason

thusIn this way
henceFor that reason
accordinglyIn response to that

consequently · so · ergo · result · outcome · effect · impact · upshot · aftermath · repercussion

contrast

now

The present moment

butContrast introducer
howeverIntroduces a contrasting point
whereasConjunction signaling contrast

although · yet · currently · presently · today · meanwhile · alternatively · otherwise · instead · conversely

Categories

timesecond, minute, hour, day, seconds
Basic English Wordswho, what, when, where, why
pastago, before, once, previously, prior
TH Wordsthe, this, that, them, they
time wordsminute, hour, day, now, soon
adverbsquickly, slowly, very, really, now

Opposites

temporal reference

thennow

The present moment

present · currently · at this moment · here and now · today

temporal sequence

Prior in time

first · previously · beforehand · earlier · initially

temporal constancy

At all times

never · constantly · perpetually · eternally · continually

Phrases

now and thenAt infrequent intervals
back thenAt that past time
okay thenReluctant agreement phrase
then againPhrase introducing reconsideration
every now and thenAt irregular intervals
and thenNarrative transition phrase

Family

now and then, thereafter, just then, thence, thenceforth, therewith, thenceforward, every now and then

Familiarity: Top 100
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G