Many writers—especially students, professionals, and non-native English speakers—ask the question: can you start a sentence with “then”? The short answer is yes. However, the real answer depends on context, tone, and purpose. While “then” is grammatically correct at the beginning of a sentence, its appropriateness varies across academic, professional, legal, and conversational writing.
Understanding how and when to start a sentence with “then” is essential for clarity, coherence, and credibility. Used well, it can smoothly indicate sequence, consequence, or conclusion. Used poorly, it can sound informal, repetitive, or imprecise. This article explores the correct usage of “then,” provides refined alternatives, and shows how to adapt your writing across professional contexts.
⚡ Quick List: Alternatives to Starting a Sentence with “Then”
- Subsequently
- Thereafter
- As a result
- Consequently
- At that point
- Following this
- Afterward
- From that point onward
- In response
- Accordingly
- Hence
- Thus
- In turn
- Next
- At that stage
- Later
- In the next step
- As such
- On that basis
- Following that
- Eventually
- In conclusion
- Ultimately
- In summary
- As a consequence
- In light of this
- Thereupon
- Thereafter
- From there
- Moving forward
- In the meantime
- At a later stage
- Subsequently speaking
- As things progressed
- In due course
🏛️ Formal Alternatives to Starting a Sentence with “Then”
1. Subsequently
- Meaning: After something else happened
- Explanation: A formal replacement indicating sequence
- Example: “Subsequently, the proposal was approved.”
- Best Use: Academic, legal, corporate writing
- Worst Use: Casual conversation
- Tone: Formal
2. Consequently
- Meaning: As a result of a prior action
- Explanation: Emphasizes cause-and-effect
- Example: “Consequently, the deadline was extended.”
- Best Use: Reports, analytical writing
- Worst Use: Informal emails
- Tone: Formal
3. Thereafter
- Meaning: From that time onward
- Explanation: Common in legal and procedural writing
- Example: “Thereafter, all requests must be submitted in writing.”
- Best Use: Legal, policy documents
- Worst Use: Conversational writing
- Tone: Very formal
4. Accordingly
- Meaning: In response to circumstances
- Explanation: Shows logical progression
- Example: “Accordingly, the plan was revised.”
- Best Use: Professional reasoning
- Worst Use: Casual storytelling
- Tone: Formal
5. Thus
- Meaning: Therefore
- Explanation: Concise logical connector
- Example: “Thus, the hypothesis was confirmed.”
- Best Use: Academic conclusions
- Worst Use: Informal writing
- Tone: Formal
6. Hence
- Meaning: For this reason
- Explanation: Slightly traditional but professional
- Example: “Hence, additional measures were implemented.”
- Best Use: Academic and formal prose
- Worst Use: Casual emails
- Tone: Formal
7. As a result
- Meaning: Indicates outcome
- Explanation: Clear and reader-friendly
- Example: “As a result, costs were reduced.”
- Best Use: Business reports
- Worst Use: Overuse in short texts
- Tone: Formal
8. Following this
- Meaning: Refers to prior action
- Explanation: Neutral and structured
- Example: “Following this, the team conducted a review.”
- Best Use: Procedural writing
- Worst Use: Creative writing
- Tone: Formal
9. At that point
- Meaning: Refers to a specific moment
- Explanation: Clarifies timeline
- Example: “At that point, further discussion was necessary.”
- Best Use: Reports, narratives
- Worst Use: Vague contexts
- Tone: Formal
10. Thereupon
- Meaning: Immediately after
- Explanation: Traditional and precise
- Example: “Thereupon, the agreement was signed.”
- Best Use: Legal writing
- Worst Use: Informal use
- Tone: Very formal
11. In turn
- Meaning: Sequential relationship
- Explanation: Indicates linked actions
- Example: “This change, in turn, improved efficiency.”
- Best Use: Analytical writing
- Worst Use: Storytelling
- Tone: Formal
12. Ultimately
- Meaning: Final result
- Explanation: Concludes a sequence
- Example: “Ultimately, the strategy succeeded.”
- Best Use: Conclusions
- Worst Use: Step-by-step instructions
- Tone: Formal
🤝 Semi-Formal & Neutral Alternatives
1. After that
- Meaning: Following an event
- Explanation: Clear and neutral
- Example: “After that, we reviewed the data.”
- Best Use: Workplace writing
- Worst Use: Legal documents
- Tone: Neutral
2. Next
- Meaning: Indicates sequence
- Explanation: Simple and readable
- Example: “Next, the team met with stakeholders.”
- Best Use: Instructions, emails
- Worst Use: Academic arguments
- Tone: Neutral
3. Later
- Meaning: At a future point
- Explanation: Informal-neutral transition
- Example: “Later, the issue was resolved.”
- Best Use: Emails, reports
- Worst Use: Formal timelines
- Tone: Neutral
4. Following that
- Meaning: Sequence connector
- Explanation: Slightly more formal than “then”
- Example: “Following that, adjustments were made.”
- Best Use: Professional writing
- Worst Use: Casual speech
- Tone: Neutral
5. At that stage
- Meaning: Refers to a phase
- Explanation: Useful for processes
- Example: “At that stage, approval was required.”
- Best Use: Project updates
- Worst Use: Short messages
- Tone: Neutral
6. As things progressed
- Meaning: Gradual development
- Explanation: Smooth narrative flow
- Example: “As things progressed, priorities changed.”
- Best Use: Reports
- Worst Use: Instructions
- Tone: Neutral
7. Moving forward
- Meaning: Future focus
- Explanation: Strategic and common
- Example: “Moving forward, we will reassess timelines.”
- Best Use: Business communication
- Worst Use: Historical writing
- Tone: Neutral
8. Eventually
- Meaning: Final outcome after time
- Explanation: Implies duration
- Example: “Eventually, consensus was reached.”
- Best Use: Narratives
- Worst Use: Precise instructions
- Tone: Neutral
9. From there
- Meaning: Continuation
- Explanation: Conversational but acceptable
- Example: “From there, the process continues.”
- Best Use: Explanations
- Worst Use: Formal analysis
- Tone: Semi-formal
10. In the next step
- Meaning: Process-oriented
- Explanation: Clear sequencing
- Example: “In the next step, data was validated.”
- Best Use: Guides
- Worst Use: Storytelling
- Tone: Neutral
11. Afterward
- Meaning: After an event
- Explanation: Cleaner than “then”
- Example: “Afterward, feedback was collected.”
- Best Use: Professional writing
- Worst Use: Very formal documents
- Tone: Neutral
12. In the meantime
- Meaning: During the interval
- Explanation: Indicates overlap
- Example: “In the meantime, preparations continued.”
- Best Use: Emails
- Worst Use: Legal texts
- Tone: Neutral
😊 Informal or Casual Alternatives
- Then
- So
- And then
- After that
- Next up
- From there
- Later on
- At that point
🏢 Industry-Specific Variations
💼 Business
- “Accordingly, the strategy was adjusted.”
🏢 Corporate
- “Subsequently, the policy was updated.”
🎓 Academic
- “Thus, the hypothesis was supported.”
📞 Customer Service
- “After that, we resolved the issue.”
⚖️ Legal
- “Thereafter, the agreement became effective.”
📧 Email Communication
- “Following this, we will proceed accordingly.”
📩 Email Examples (Very Important)
1. Subject: Project Update
“Hi Team,
Subsequently, the timeline was revised based on feedback.
Best,
Alex”
2. Subject: Next Steps
“Hello Maria,
Following this, we will schedule a follow-up meeting.
Regards,
James”
3. Subject: Process Overview
“Hi,
At that stage, approval from management will be required.
Thanks,
Lena”
4. Subject: Outcome Summary
“Dear Client,
Consequently, the final delivery date has changed.
Sincerely,
Daniel”
5. Subject: Moving Forward
“Hi Team,
Moving forward, all updates will be documented centrally.
Best regards,
Emma”
🗣️ Short Dialogue Examples
- A: “What happened after the review?”
B: “Subsequently, the proposal was approved.” - A: “What’s the next step?”
B: “Following that, we’ll begin testing.” - A: “How did it conclude?”
B: “Ultimately, the plan succeeded.” - A: “What did you do next?”
B: “Afterward, we gathered feedback.” - A: “What happened during the delay?”
B: “In the meantime, we prepared documentation.”
📊 Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Then | Informal | Conversation | “Then we continued.” |
| Subsequently | Formal | Reports | “Subsequently, action was taken.” |
| Afterward | Neutral | Emails | “Afterward, we followed up.” |
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing “then” repeatedly
- Starting every sentence with “then”
- Using “then” in formal writing without context
- Ignoring cause-and-effect clarity
- Mixing formal and casual transitions
- Using vague sequencing
🚫 When NOT to Use “Then”
- In legal or academic writing
- When precision is required
- At the start of every paragraph
- In formal reports
- When cause-and-effect is unclear
- In high-stakes professional communication
❓ FAQs
1. Can you start a sentence with then?
Yes, it is grammatically correct.
2. Is it professional to start with then?
Usually no—alternatives are preferred.
3. Is “then” informal?
Yes, especially at sentence beginnings.
4. What’s a formal alternative to “then”?
“Subsequently” or “accordingly.”
5. Can “then” be used in emails?
Yes, in informal or internal emails.
6. Should I avoid “then” in essays?
Yes, formal transitions are better.
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