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Then

Then as an adverb has a number of different meanings.

Then meaning ‘at that time’​

We can use then to mean ‘at that time’, referring either to the past or the future. In this case, it is usually at the end of the clause:

  • A: When I was a child, I lived in Austria for a while.
  • B: What age were you then?
  • This time next week, I’ll be on a plane to Kiev. Where will you be then?

Then meaning ‘next’​

We can use then to mean ‘next’:

  • He opened the door, then the lights came on and everybody shouted, ‘Happy Birthday’.
  • Heat some olive oil in a pan, then add some chopped garlic and some salt.

Then meaning ‘in addition’​

Spoken English:

Especially in speaking, we can use then to mean ‘in addition’:

  • Hiring a car is an extra expense on holiday and then there’s the cost of insurance.
  • Here’s our bedroom and then we have two more bedrooms down here.

Then meaning ‘in that case’​

We use then with if to talk about cause and effect:

  • If we buy Jason a present, then we’ll have to buy one for Isaac too.
  • If you are interested in food, then you will love this book.

Spoken English:

In informal speaking, we often use then at the end of the clause meaning ‘in that case’:

  • You don’t want anything to eat? Okay. So I’ll just get you a coffee then.