Most writers hunting for a then synonym are tired of stringing events together with the same small word. The usual swaps are next, after that, later, afterward and subsequently, but then also means "at that time" and "in that case", and those senses call for other replacements.
Below, every job that then performs comes matched to another word for then, plus the comma rules that trip people up and a fix for the then and than mix-up. Connectors of every kind are gathered in the transition words section.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
next, after that, later, afterward, soPart of speech
Adverb (sometimes adjective: the then manager)Most formal
subsequently, thereafter, consequentlyMost casual
after that, so, back thenAntonyms
before, earlier, now (by sense)Watch out
Then is not a conjunction. Use and then or a semicolon to join two clauses.
Four jobs, four sets of then synonym choices
| Job | Swaps | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence | next, after that, later, subsequently | Mix the flour. Next, add the eggs. |
| Past time | back then, at the time, in those days | Phones were bulky back then. |
| Result | so, in that case, therefore | Rain is likely. In that case, we stay in. |
| Addition | also, besides, on top of that | It is cheap, and on top of that it is fast. |
From next to subsequently: matching the register
Slide along the five chips and the tone moves from chatty to formal. Next is crisp and ideal for instructions. After that sounds like natural storytelling. Later stresses that some time passed. Afterward (afterwards in British English) marks a step after an event ends. Subsequently belongs in reports and essays and can feel heavy in a story.
Thereafter climbs higher still, suiting legal or historical writing: the treaty was signed, and thereafter trade grew.
Breaking up a chain of thens
A paragraph like "I woke up, then I showered, then I ate, then I left" needs variety, not just swaps. Mix sequence words with time clauses:
- I woke up and showered. After breakfast, I left.
- First we checked the data. Next, we ran the tests. Finally, we wrote the report.
- She saved for a year and eventually bought the bike.
The finally and eventually pages help with the last step in a chain.
A text to a friend: "Dinner at seven, then movie?" works fine. In a cover letter, "I then managed the team" reads better as "I was later promoted to manage the team," which also shows progress.
Then for results and conclusions
In if statements and arguments, then signals a result. Swap with in that case, so or, in formal writing, therefore and it follows that.
- If the price drops, then demand rises becomes if the price drops, demand rises. In an if clause, then can often be dropped.
- You are free on Friday? Then let's meet becomes in that case, let's meet.
- The data is clear; then the theory holds becomes the data is clear, so the theory holds.
Then or than, and comma rules
Than compares (taller than me). Then deals with time or result (we ate, then left). Spell checkers will not catch the swap, so read slowly.
Also watch the comma splice. "We packed, then we drove" joins two full clauses with only a comma, which many teachers mark wrong. Write we packed, and then we drove, or we packed; then we drove, or simply we packed and drove.
Opposites by sense
As a sequence word, then is the opposite of before, earlier or previously. In the past time sense, the opposite is now or these days: things were simpler then, but now they move faster. The result sense has no real antonym.
Frequently asked questions
What is a formal then synonym for an essay?
Subsequently and thereafter are the most formal. Use them for events in a timeline; for steps in an argument, therefore or consequently are usually better.
How can I avoid using then too much?
Mix in next, after that and later, and use time clauses such as after the meeting. Ordering words like first and finally also cut the repetition.
Is afterward or afterwards correct?
Either spelling is standard. American writers favor afterward, while British writers tend to add the s, so match the spelling to the rest of your writing.
What can replace then in an if sentence?
You can usually drop it: if you study, you will pass. When you need a word, in that case or so works in speech, and it follows that suits formal logic.
Should then ever begin a sentence?
Yes. Then, the lights went out is fine in a story. In formal writing, next or after that may sound more polished.
What is another word for back then?
At the time, in those days and in the past all work. Formerly is more formal and fits reports and history essays.