Welcome! If you’ve ever paused mid-sentence and asked, “Can I start a sentence with ‘Then’?”, you’re in the right place. You’re about to learn what’s allowed, what’s stylish, and how to use then correctly and effectively in your writing.
You’ll discover definitions, see real examples, explore when starting a sentence with then works (and when it doesn’t), and pick up handy alternatives to keep your writing fresh.
Whether you’re drafting emails, essays, blog posts or social media posts — you’ll leave knowing exactly how to handle then at the beginning of a sentence.
Let’s dive in and clear up the confusion once and for all.
Introduction: Why this question comes up
Many writers hesitate when they want to begin a sentence with then. The concern often is: “Is it grammatically correct?” or “Does it sound informal or sloppy?” You might have been told in school that starting sentences with words like and, but, or then is improper. Yet major grammarians and style guides say otherwise. The crux of the matter isn’t correctness — it’s clarity, tone, and style. You’ll find that yes — starting a sentence with then is perfectly valid. But using it thoughtfully makes your writing stronger. We’ll explore why, when, and how.
What does “then” actually mean?
Understanding the meanings of then helps you decide whether to use it at the start of a sentence (or elsewhere).
The core meanings
- Time / sequence: It shows what happens next or at a certain time. He left home. Then he caught the train.
- Cause and effect: It implies a result of something. If you finish early, then you can leave.
- “In that case” / logical consequence: When you use then as part of a conditional. If you’re hungry, then we’ll order food.
- Less commonly: Adjective (the then mayor) or noun (since then).
- Why this matters
When you begin a sentence with then, you’re signalling sequence or transition. It tells the reader, “Here comes what happens next.” That alone doesn’t make it wrong — but you need to ensure it adds clarity and doesn’t feel repetitive or lazy.
Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with “then”?
Yes — it is grammatically correct and well-attested.
- According to usage forums: “There is no rule about starting—or not starting—a sentence with the word ‘then’… it depends on context.”
- In a thread on Stack Exchange: “Yes, you can start a sentence with then.” So the grammar police aren’t going to ticket you for it. But grammar is only part of the story.
Style and sound
While grammatically okay, starting with then often carries a particular tone:
- It suggests a chronological step in a sequenceof actions.
- It can feel casual or conversational if overused.
- In formal or academic writing, it might come across as simplistic style if every sentence begins with then.
In short: Yes you can. Yes you should when appropriate. But you should also ask: Does it serve the sentence?
When should you start a sentence with “then”?
Here are some of the best scenarios for beginning a sentence with then:
1. Showing sequence of actions or events
When you’re telling a story or giving instructions, starting with then clearly signals the next step.
Example:
“I switched off the lights. Then I locked the door and left.”
This keeps things moving, clear, and chronological.
2. Creating smooth transition
When one sentence flows into the next and you want to highlight what comes next, then works well as a transition word.
Example:
“We reviewed the budget. Then we discussed staffing concerns.”
It says: “And now we move on.”
3. Linking cause and effect (or conditional consequence)
When there’s an “if … then …” logic, beginning with then can emphasise the result.
Example:
“If you complete the assignment early, then you’ll have time to review it.”
Here the result is clear and emphasised.
Why this clarity helps
Using then in these cases can:
- Maintain reader orientation (what happens next, what follows).
- Make instructions or steps easy to follow.
- Keep narrative momentum in stories or descriptions.
When not to start a sentence with “then”
Despite being grammatically fine, there are times when beginning with then might not be ideal.
Overuse leads to repetition
If too many sentences begin with then, your writing can feel monotonous, like a mechanical checklist. For example:
“Then we did this. Then we did that. Then we finished.”
It becomes bland, and the reader loses engagement. In a forum somebody wrote:
“Then should not, in general, start sentences very frequently… It’s often a sign of ‘stream of consciousness’ writing.”
Formal or academic tone
In formal essays or academic writing, starting many sentences with then may seem informal or simplistic. You may want more varied transitions (e.g., furthermore, subsequently, accordingly).
When it doesn’t add value
If the context doesn’t require a step-wise transition, or if the sentence doesn’t actually represent what happens next, then starting with then might feel forced. Example:
“Then she was happy.”
Without earlier context, that “then” feels dangling or abrupt
Common alternatives to “Then”
Varying your transitions keeps your writing fresh and your reader engaged. Here’s a handy table of alternatives.
| Purpose | Alternative Words/Phrases | Example |
| Showing sequence | Next, Afterwards, Later, Subsequently | Next, we’ll open the doors to the venue. |
| Cause / effect / result | Therefore, As a result, Hence, Thus | Thus, the project was completed ahead of time. |
| Condition / consequence | In that case, Accordingly | In that case, you should send a reminder email. |
| Additional action | Then again, Also, Moreover | Moreover, we must consider the budget constraints. |
| Contrast / change of topic | However, On the other hand, Meanwhile | However, the results were not what we expected. |
By using these alternatives you avoid repeating then and you keep your writing dynamic.
Examples of “Then” in different sentence positions
It’s useful to see how then works in various positions in a sentence. That helps you recognise when beginning a sentence with it is effective.
| Position | Example Sentence | What it communicates |
| Beginning | Then I realized what had gone wrong. | Signals that this is what happened next in sequence. |
| Middle | She packed her bag, then headed to the station. | Connects two actions in one sentence. |
| End | He hurried home and cried out, “It’s too late then.” | Conveys time reference at the end; less common usage. |
When then begins the sentence, you’re often emphasising the transition or consequence of what came before. Good practice: make sure the prior sentence clearly sets up the action or event.
Tips for using “Then” naturally in writing
Here are some practical tips to make your use of then work well:
- Limit how often you start sentences with then. A good rule of thumb: use it when you genuinely mean “next” or “in consequence”.
- Use short sentences when starting wit then to create impact.
Then we paused. Then we proceeded. - Vary your sentence starters. Don’t let then become a crutch.
- Read your writing aloud. If “Then…” sounds forced or repetitive, replace it or re-structure.
- Consider your audience and tone. If your writing is formal, you might choose “Next,” or “Subsequently,” instead of “Then”.
- When used at the beginning of a sentence, punctuation is typically optional. According to one guide: “When “then” introduces a sentence, a comma is generally not used after it.
Case studies & real-world applications
Let’s look at how then is used in different writing contexts.
Case Study 1: Instructional writing
Context: A cooking blog post.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Then mix the flour and sugar in one bowl. Then fold in the eggs and vanilla.
Analysis: The writer is giving step-by-step instructions. Starting with then works because it keeps the focus on what happens next.
Case Study 2: Storytelling in a blog
Context: A travel diary.
I wandered through the old town, snapping photos of street art. Then I heard music in a hidden courtyard. The musicians invited me to join their jam session.
Analysis: The writer uses then to mark a pivotal moment in the narrative. It gives rhythm and movement.
Case Study 3: Formal report or essay
Context: Academic essay about climate change.
The data show a clear upward trend in global temperatures. Subsequently, policymakers introduced new regulations. Then, further studies confirmed the correlation with greenhouse gas emissions.
Analysis: The use of then here is fine, but the presence of “subsequently” alongside it shows variety and maintains formal tone.
These examples show that then can be used appropriately in a variety of contexts — you just adjust tone, surrounding words and variety accordingly.
FAQs about using “Then”
Can I always use “then” at the start of a sentence?
Yes, you can, grammatically. But you should make sure it adds clarity or style, rather than being a filler.
Should I put a comma after “then” when I start a sentence with it?
Not always. Style guides say that when then acts as a temporal adverb beginning a sentence, the comma is optional. If it’s functioning more like an interjection, you might include one.
Does starting a paragraph with “then” make sense?
It can, especially in narrative or conversational writing. It signals continuation. But in formal or academic writing you might choose a more conventional transition (e.g., “Furthermore,” “Next,” “In addition”).
Is “then” informal?
Not inherently. Its informality comes from overuse or weak context. In formal writing, its usage should still be clear, intentional and varied.
What’s the difference between “then” and “than”?
“Then” refers to time or sequence; “than” is used for comparison. Confusing the two is a common mistake.
Quick reference cheat sheet: “Then” grammar and usage
| Rule / Tip | Example |
| Starting a sentence with then is grammatically fine | Then I checked the door before leaving. |
| Use it to show sequence or consequence | I finished work. Then I went home. |
| Avoid repetition at the start of successive sentences | Instead of: “Then we went. Then we stayed. Then we left.” |
| Comma after then is optional (function dependent) | Then I left. or Then, I left. |
| Use alternatives to vary sentence openings | Next, Afterwards, Subsequently, Therefore |
Final thoughts: using “Then” confidently
You can start a sentence with then — and you should feel confident doing so when it adds clarity, rhythm or consequence to your writing. It’s not a grammatical error. It’s a tool.
However, like any tool, it works best when used thoughtfully. Don’t lean on then for every transition. Vary your openings, watch your tone, and read your writing aloud to make sure it flows.
When you do this, your writing will sound natural, engaging, and perfectly correct — whether you’re telling a story, writing instructions, or crafting an essay.
So go ahead: give then the green light. Use it. Use it well. And move your reader along with confidence.
Need help tailoring this topic to a specific writing context (like business emails, blog posts, or academic writing)? I’d be happy to dive in!
Bella Rae 
Ruby Skye