Then Meaning
Then Definition & Usage
At that time or moment in the past, present, or future.
Examples
- "She had lunch, and then she went to the office."
- "I will call you back then."
- "They arrived in Paris, and then went sightseeing."
- "First, we will study, and then take a break."
- "The meeting ended, and then we all left."
Used to indicate that something follows as a natural result.
Examples
- "If you finish your homework, then you can play outside."
- "We didn’t study, and then we failed the test."
- "He didn’t attend the meeting, and then he missed the decision."
- "It was raining, so then the match was postponed."
- "She forgot her umbrella, and then she got soaked in the rain."
Used to add a subsequent clause or idea to a previous statement, often in conditional clauses.
Examples
- "You can leave then, but only after the meeting is finished."
- "I will help you, then you can repay me later."
- "He went to the store, then bought some bread."
- "She sang the song, then she left the stage."
- "If you finish your dinner, then you may have dessert."
Cultural Context
The word 'then' has been in use since Old English (þanne or ðenne), and it has primarily served as a time-related adverb, though its usage has expanded to indicate sequence, consequence, and conditionality. Over time, 'then' has remained a fundamental component in both spoken and written English, often used for its simplicity and clarity in narrative and logical structures.
The Decision at the Crossroads
Story
The Decision at the Crossroads
Lena had always been the one to make decisions, but that day at the crossroads, she was unsure. She stood there, pondering what her next move should be. She had planned to visit the old bookshop after lunch, but then, the phone call came, pulling her away from her thoughts. Her friend Anna had called to remind her about the surprise birthday party later in the evening. 'What do you think?' Lena asked Anna, after hearing the news. 'Well, you could go there now, then drop by the party. It’s not too far.' Lena thought about it for a moment, then nodded in agreement. She walked to the bookshop, and just as she reached for the door, she heard the familiar chime of her phone. It was Anna again. 'Everything’s ready for the party. Are you coming?' Anna asked. Lena smiled. 'I’ll be there soon. First, I’ll finish up here, then I’ll join you.' The bookshop was quiet, with a few patrons browsing through old books. Lena didn’t waste time, quickly finding the novel she had been searching for. She headed to the counter to pay. 'You’re in a hurry, I see,' the clerk remarked. Lena laughed softly. 'Yes, I have a party to attend, then I'll finally relax.' As Lena left the bookshop, the sun was beginning to set, and the air was cooler. She walked toward the party, feeling content. After all, it was moments like this that made her appreciate both the small and big things. She was looking forward to both the party and the peace of her quiet evening later. But then, she realized she had left her phone on the counter. 'I’ll have to go back,' she muttered, sighing. In the end, Lena was reminded that no matter how carefully we plan, life always throws something unexpected our way—something that follows, naturally, just like the 'then' in her thoughts.
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