What is then? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "then" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different functions! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Indicating Sequence (Most Common)

• Meaning: This is the most frequent use of "then." It shows that something happens after something else. It establishes a chronological order.
• Examples:
  • “I woke up, then I brushed my teeth.” (Waking up happened first, brushing happened next.)
  • “First, I baked the cake. Then, I decorated it.”
  • “She studied hard, then she passed the exam.”

2. Introducing a Consequence

• Meaning: "Then" can indicate a result or consequence of a previous action or event.
• Examples:
  • “It started to rain, then the game was canceled.” (The rain caused the cancellation.)
  • “He made a mistake, then he apologized.” (The mistake led to the apology.)
  • "The meeting was long, then we went for lunch." (The length of the meeting resulted in going for lunch.)

3. Offering a Suggestion or Response (More Informal)

• Meaning: In casual conversation, "then" can be used as a filler word or to signal agreement or prompt a response. It’s similar to “well…” or “so…”
• Examples:
  • "I was thinking of going to the beach... Then, what do you think?" (Looking for a response/opinion)
  • "I'm tired, then I’m just going to go to bed." (A simple statement with a consequence)
  • "I need to buy groceries, then I'll cook dinner." (Showing a sequence of actions)

4. Referring to Time (Less Common, But Important)

• Meaning: "Then" can indicate a point in the past or a future time, depending on context. It’s often used with phrases like “at that time” or “back then.”
• Examples:
  • “Then at that time, I lived in New York.” (Referring to a specific past period)
  • “Then, back then, things were much simpler.” (Referring to a past era)

5. In Formal Writing/Speeches (Less Frequent)

• Meaning: Sometimes, “then” is used in more formal writing—particularly in speeches or legal documents—to ensure a clear sequence of events. It's almost like a deliberate signal of order.
• Example: “The investigation was initiated. Then, evidence was collected. Then, the suspects were questioned.”

Key Points & Common Mistakes

• Don’t overuse it: While “then” is useful, too many “thens” can make your writing or speech sound clunky.
• "Than" vs. "Then": This is a very common confusion.
  • Than: Used for comparisons (e.g., “He is taller than I am.”)
  • Then: Used for sequence and consequence (e.g., “I went to the store, then I came home.”)
• "So" vs. "Then": "So" can sometimes be used similarly to "then" (to show a consequence), but "so" often implies a stronger cause-and-effect relationship.

Resources for Further Learning:

• Grammarly Blog - Using "Then" and "Than": https://www.grammarly.com/blog/then-vs-than/
• Purdue OWL - “Then” and “Than”: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/then_than/index.html

To help me tailor my explanation even more, could you tell me:

• What kind of context are you learning "then" for (e.g., general conversation, academic writing, etc.)?
• Are there any specific examples you're struggling with?