Then is a small function word doing several different jobs: pointing to a specific past or future moment, marking the next event in a sequence, and signaling a logical consequence in “if…then” reasoning. Because these are genuinely different grammatical roles, the useful alternatives are tied to a specific sense rather than being interchangeable across all of them.
At that time and back then both work for the “specific moment” sense, while afterward and subsequently work for sequencing events. Neither group works for the conditional sense, where words like therefore and consequently take over instead.
This guide sorts alternatives to then by which of its three jobs you actually need to replace.
Best Synonyms for Then at a Glance
| Word/Phrase | Sense of “Then” It Replaces | Best Used For | Tone/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| At that time | Referring to a specific past or future moment | Formal or precise time references | Neutral, formal-leaning |
| Afterward | Marking the next event in sequence | Storytelling and narration | Neutral |
| Subsequently | Marking the next event in sequence | Formal or written narration | Formal |
| Therefore | Signaling a logical consequence | Formal reasoning and argument | Formal |
| In that case | Signaling a conditional consequence | Everyday conditional reasoning | Neutral, everyday |
What Does Then Mean?
Part of speech: Adverb (also functions as an adjective and, informally, a conjunction).
Sense 1 (a specific time): At that particular time, past or future. Example: “I was living in Boston then.” Example: “We’ll finalize the details, and then we’ll sign the contract.”
Sense 2 (sequence): Next, after that, in a series of events. Example: “Add the eggs, then whisk until smooth.”
Sense 3 (consequence): Used with “if” to signal a logical result. Example: “If it rains, then the event will move indoors.”
Alternatives for “At That Time”
- At that time — a plain, formal way to reference a specific past or future point. Example: “At that time, the company had only ten employees.”
- At that point — similar to “at that time,” slightly more casual. Example: “At that point, we had no other options.”
- Back then — informal, nostalgic phrasing for a past time. Example: “Back then, nobody had cell phones.”
- In those days — informal, emphasizing a past era. Example: “In those days, people wrote actual letters.”
- At that moment — emphasizes a specific instant rather than a general period. Example: “At that moment, everything changed.”
Alternatives for Sequence (“Next”)
- Next — the plainest alternative for the next step or event. Example: “Preheat the oven; next, prepare the batter.”
- Afterward — common in narration and instructions. Example: “We toured the museum, and afterward we had lunch.”
- Subsequently — formal, common in written reports and narration. Example: “The company subsequently revised its policy.”
- After That — plain, everyday phrasing for the next event. Example: “We finished dinner, and after that we watched a movie.”
- Following That — similar to “after that,” slightly more formal. Example: “Following that, the committee reviewed the proposal.”
- Later — general term for something happening after the current point. Example: “We can discuss the budget later.”
- Thereafter — formal and somewhat legal or literary in tone. Example: “The treaty was signed, and thereafter relations improved.”
Alternatives for Consequence (“If…Then”)
- Therefore — formal, signals a logical conclusion. Example: “The evidence was inconclusive; therefore, the case was dismissed.”
- Consequently — similar to therefore, emphasizing a direct result. Example: “Sales dropped, and consequently the company cut costs.”
- As a Result — common, slightly less formal than therefore. Example: “The bridge was closed; as a result, traffic was rerouted.”
- Thus — formal and somewhat literary. Example: “The data supports the hypothesis; thus, the theory holds.”
- Accordingly — formal, implies acting in response to something. Example: “The rules changed, and staff were trained accordingly.”
- In That Case — everyday, conditional phrasing. Example: “If you’re busy, in that case, we can reschedule.”
- So — informal, common in everyday speech. Example: “It’s raining, so we’ll stay inside.”
Words Related to Then That Are Not Exact Synonyms
- Now — refers to the present moment, the opposite of then’s past or future reference.
- Before — refers to an earlier time, the opposite direction of sequence.
- Because — introduces a reason or cause, not a sequential or conditional result.
Then vs Similar Words
Then vs Now
Then refers to another point in time, past or future, while now refers specifically to the present moment. They point in opposite temporal directions.
Then vs Therefore
These both appear in “if…then” reasoning, but “therefore” works as a standalone conclusion word (“The results were clear; therefore, we proceeded”), while “then” typically needs the paired “if” structure to carry that same conditional meaning.
Then vs Next
These are very close for sequencing events, though “then” can also carry the time-reference or conditional senses that “next” doesn’t share.
How to Choose the Right Alternative to Then
Start by identifying which of the three jobs “then” is doing in your sentence.
For a specific time reference, “at that time” or “back then” work well. Example: “Back then, the neighborhood looked completely different.”
For sequencing events, “afterward” or “next” fit naturally. Example: “We signed the paperwork, and afterward we celebrated.”
For conditional consequence, “therefore” or “as a result” replace the conditional “then” in formal writing. Example: “The forecast called for storms; as a result, the game was postponed.”
Common Mistakes When Replacing Then
- Using a sequence word for the conditional sense. “Next” doesn’t work in place of “then” in “if…then” reasoning.
- Confusing “then” with “than.” “Then” relates to time or consequence; “than” is used for comparisons (“bigger than”).
- Treating “now” as interchangeable with “then.” They point to opposite points in time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Another Word for Then?
Depending on the sense, “afterward” works for sequence, “at that time” works for a specific moment, and “therefore” works for conditional consequence.
What Is the Difference Between Then and Than?
“Then” relates to time, sequence, or consequence. “Than” is used specifically for comparisons, as in “faster than” or “more than.”
What Is a Formal Synonym for Then (Consequence)?
Therefore, consequently, and thus are common formal alternatives.
What Is a Formal Synonym for Then (Sequence)?
Subsequently and thereafter are common formal alternatives.
Conclusion
Then handles three separate jobs: marking a specific time, sequencing events, and signaling a conditional result, which is why its best replacement always depends on which job it’s doing in your sentence. At that time and back then cover the time-reference sense, afterward and subsequently cover sequencing, and therefore and consequently cover the conditional sense. Choosing the right word means identifying which of these three roles then is actually playing before swapping it out.
