What does then mean?
Then is a small but highly useful English function word. It usually places an event in time, indicating that something happens at a specified moment or after another action. For example, “Finish it, then leave” marks a sequence, while “If it rains, then we will cancel” expresses a logical result. The word can also mean “in that case,” especially in formal or explanatory writing, though that sense overlaps with a conjunction use. Because “then” is so common, it can sound almost invisible in ordinary conversation; nevertheless, it carries useful information about sequence, expectation, and cause. Its history is also revealing: it began as a form of the demonstrative “that” and gradually acquired its modern temporal and logical roles. Learning to recognize those roles helps writers vary sentences, avoid ambiguity, and distinguish time order from condition or consequence.
At a particular time, at a point in a sequence, or immediately afterward.
"We waited until noon, and then the meeting finally began."
The temporal meaning is the most common modern use. The word can also mean “in that case” in contexts where a result is expected.
Used to introduce or connect the result of a condition or statement.
"If everyone agrees, then we can proceed."
This use is especially common in conditional and explanatory constructions, where it highlights the logical consequence of what precedes it.
“Then” began as a form of “that” and became a time machine in its own right.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does then come from?
The modern English word descends from Old English þanne, originally an adverbial form of the demonstrative þæt, meaning “that.” Through Middle English it developed into the standard form “then” and acquired its familiar temporal, sequential, and connective uses. Related forms include “that,” “the,” and “than,” which developed from the wider Old English demonstrative system.
How then is actually used
This is standard in formal and informal English. In conditional constructions, it connects a condition to its expected result, while its temporal use can mark either a particular point in time or the next step in a sequence.
Easily confused with then
Then indicates time, sequence, or consequence; than compares two quantities or options.