Language Research

then · adverb

/ðen/Full view

then (AT THAT TIME)

A1 at that time

Dictionary examples:

I was working in the city then.

I'm having a day off on Friday - I could meet you then.

Give it to me next week - I won't have time to read it before/until then.

I'll phone you tomorrow - I should have the details by then.

I saw her at Annie's but I haven't seen her since then.

Learner example:

See you then. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Panjabi)

then (NEXT)

A1 next, or after something has happened

Dictionary examples:

She trained as a teacher and then became a lawyer.

Let me finish this job, then we'll go.

Learner example:

I finish work at 7 o'clock, and then I want to have a bath. [A]fter that I will come. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Tamil)

then (RESULT)

A2 so or because of that

Dictionary examples:

Have a rest now, then you won't be so tired this evening.

"My interview's at 9 o'clock." "You'll be catching an early train, then?"

Learner example:

You can read the text from a song on [screen] and then you can sing the song. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

then (IN ADDITION)

B2 used in order to add something to what you have just said

Dictionary examples:

I've got two essays to write and then my science project to finish.

This is the standard model, then there's the luxury version which costs more.

now and then

B2 If something happens now and then, it happens sometimes but not very often.

Dictionary example:

I love chocolate, but I only eat it now and then.

Learner example:

If you really love to have a snack now and then, try to eat fruit and vegetables, instead of sweets. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

every now and then

C1 sometimes, but not often

Dictionary example:

We still meet up every now and then.

Learner example:

Each day choose 10 new words and learn them by heart. In a week you will have learned 70 new words, and in a year 3640, a lot of words. Please, do not forget to repeat them every now and then. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Danish)