Then
/ðɛn/
Definitions
4 meaningsAt that time; at the time mentioned or understood.
/ðɛn/
At that time; at the time in question
I was young then, and I didn't know any better.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling a story. 'Then' is like saying, 'And at that moment...' or 'Back at that time...'. For example, 'We went to the park, and then we ate ice cream!'.
👶 For kids: It means 'at that time' or 'after that'. Like, "I ate my apple, and then I played outside!"
More Examples
She was a student then.
Back then, technology was much different.
How It's Used
"We lived in London then."
"The year was 1980; then, the world was a different place."
Next in time or sequence; after that.
/ðɛn/
After that; next in time or sequence.
First, let's go to the store; then we can go home.
💡 Simply: 'Then' is used when something happens after something else. Like, 'First I wake up, then I brush my teeth.'
👶 For kids: It means 'next' or 'after that'. Like, "I get dressed, then I go to school!"
More Examples
If you study hard, then you will pass the exam.
He finished his homework, and then he watched TV.
How It's Used
"First, we will eat dinner, then we will watch a movie."
"Mix the ingredients, then bake for 30 minutes."
Used to introduce a consequence or result; in that case; therefore.
/ðɛn/
In that case; therefore.
If you don't like it, then don't eat it.
💡 Simply: 'Then' can also mean 'so' or 'because of that'. Like, 'If you want to go, then go!'
👶 For kids: It means 'so' or 'because'. Like, "If you're tired, then you should go to bed."
More Examples
If that's the case, then I'll go.
You have to study; then you will get good grades.
How It's Used
"If you're hungry, then eat something."
"If it rains, then we'll stay inside."
Used to emphasize an action or statement
/ðɛn/
You should tell me then!
💡 Simply: You can use 'then' to sound a little forceful or emphasize something. It's like saying, 'Well, tell me!'.
👶 For kids: It means 'what about it?'. Like, "What then?"
More Examples
What then?
And then what do we do?
How It's Used
"You tell me then!"
"What then?"
Synonyms
Formerly
Later
Afterward
Next
Subsequently
Accordingly
Consequently
So
Now
Idioms & expressions
every now and then
Occasionally; from time to time.
"I like to go for a walk every now and then."
back then
In the past; at that time.
"Life was simpler back then."
From Old English *þā* (instrumental or dative plural of *sē* 'that'), which developed into a temporal adverb. Related to the pronoun "that".
Used since Old English times as a temporal adverb. Its use in conditional clauses developed later.
Memory tip
Think of 'then' as pointing to a specific moment in the past, like a time marker.