- then
- then [ ðen ] function word ***Then can be used in the following ways:as an adverb:I was still at school then.as an adjective (only before a noun):the then prime minister, Harold Wilson1. ) at that timea ) at a particular time in the past or in the future:Did you hear him when he left the house? Yes, I heard him then and when he came back.a political refugee who was then living in the United Statesuntil/since/by/before then: I can see you next weekend. Can you wait until then?Back in 1950 Bourton was a sleepy little village, but things have changed a lot since then.b ) used for referring to the person who had a particular job or position at a particular time in the past:the then president/governor/owner etc.: the then Secretary of State, Warren ChristopherMy grandfather rented 120 Church Street from the then owners, W. Collins and Sons.2. ) happening next used for introducing the next thing that happens:He glanced quickly at Sally and then looked away again.Add the numbers together first then multiply.First Lewis will give a TV interview. Then comes the main news conference.3. ) as a resulta ) SPOKEN used at the end of a question when you think something must be true because of what has just been said:We went to the same school. You're old friends then?You're not angry with me, then?b ) used for saying what the result must be if something is true:He won't resign. Then we'll have to force him to leave.if...then: If no one else is willing, then I'll have to do the job myself.c ) LITERARY used when you are stating the result of the events you have been describing:This, then, was the problem that faced him he could not do his duty without betraying his friends.4. ) used for showing agreement SPOKEN used at the end of a conversation for showing that you think something has been agreed on:All right then, I'll see you back at the hotel.So that's agreed then dinner for eight on Christmas Day.now then/right then/okay thenused for getting someone's attention when you are starting to talk about something new:Now then, I want to ask you all a serious question.Right then, are we ready to start?
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.