Reading Theme:
Then: Meaning, Usage, and Common Mistakes (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：at that time (then)
then
/ðɛn/
adv.
It points back to a specific time we already talked about, like telling a story.
at that time
➕
/æt ðæt taɪm/
adv.
Refers to a specific past moment that has already been mentioned or is understood from context.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'þanne, þonne', related to 'that', indicating time or sequence.
💡 Mnemonic
THEN sounds like 'when' and both point to a moment in time.
📖 Example
We met in college, and then we became best friends.
We met in college, and then we became best friends.
🔗 Collocations
back then – in the past (referring to a time already mentioned)
since then – from that time until now
by then – at that future time (after a certain point)
🔄 Synonyms
at that time (adv. phrase) – exactly at the moment previously referred to
in those days (adv. phrase) – during that period in the past
at that moment (adv. phrase) – precisely then
🚫 Antonyms
now (adv.) – at the present time
📖 Cultural Story
Origin in Old English; used for over a millennium as a time-order adverb. Famous in the phrase 'first… then…' to structure narratives and instructions.
Meaning 2：after that (then)
then
/ðɛn/
adv.
It means 'next' or 'after that', showing the order of actions or events.
after that
➕
/ˈæftər ðæt/
adv.
Indicates the next action or event in a sequence, showing order.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
First, chop the vegetables. Then, heat the oil in the pan.
First, chop the vegetables. Then, heat the oil in the pan.
🔗 Collocations
first... then... – used to list steps or events in order
and then – used to add the next action
just then – at that exact moment, often interrupting
🔄 Synonyms
next (adv.) – immediately following in order
subsequently (adv.) – later or after something else
afterward (adv.) – at a later time
🚫 Antonyms
before (adv./prep.) – earlier in time
previously (adv.) – at an earlier time
Meaning 3：in that case (then)
then
/ðɛn/
adv.
Used after 'if' to show what the result or conclusion would be.
in that case
➕
/ɪn ðæt keɪs/
adv.
Used after 'if' to indicate the result or conclusion that follows from a condition.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
If you save money every month, then you can buy a new bike by the end of the year.
If you save money every month, then you can buy a new bike by the end of the year.
🔗 Collocations
if... then... – introduces a conditional statement with a result
then again – used to introduce a contrasting or opposing point
even then – despite that; still (in a conditional sense)
🔄 Synonyms
therefore (adv.) – as a logical consequence
hence (adv.) – for this reason
consequently (adv.) – as a result
🚫 Antonyms
otherwise (adv.) – in a different situation; if not
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