Transition Words for Then

Updated 2026-10-12 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: Transition words for then help writers show the sequence of events or the result of previous actions clearly. Using these specific connectors allows you to move smoothly from one thought to the next without confusion. They act as bridges between clauses, ensuring your narrative or argument remains logical and easy to follow for any reader.

Best Transition Words For Then

afterward: Use this to show an action happens later.
subsequently: Indicates an event follows another in order.
meanwhile: Shows two things happening at the same time.
following: Connects actions that happen in sequence.
next: Signals the immediate next step in a list.
later: Refers to a time in the future relative to now.
then: The most common word to show sequence.
afterwards: A slightly formal way to say afterward.
consequently: Links a cause directly to its effect.
moreover: Adds information that supports the previous point.
furthermore: Introduces additional details to the argument.
ultimately: Points to the final result of a process.
hence: Used to introduce a conclusion derived from facts.

More Transition Words for Then by Purpose

nevertheless: Purpose: Contrast; Example: It rained, nevertheless we played.
however: Purpose: Contrast; Example: She was tired, however she ran.
instead: Purpose: Alternative; Example: He drank tea instead of coffee.
likewise: Purpose: Similarity; Example: One worked hard, likewise the other.
similarly: Purpose: Comparison; Example: Cats hunt mice, similarly lions hunt.
specifically: Purpose: Detail; Example: She loves fruit, specifically apples.
generally: Purpose: Generalization; Example: Generally, people like warm weather.
notably: Purpose: Emphasis; Example: Notably, the data shows a trend.
principally: Purpose: Main point; Example: We succeeded principally because of luck.
chiefly: Purpose: Primary reason; Example: He left chiefly to find peace.
mostly: Purpose: Majority; Example: The team mostly agreed with the plan.

Transition Words for Then in Example Sentences

He arrived late, so he could not join the meeting.
She studied hard and subsequently passed the exam.
The sun set, yet the birds sang meanwhile.
After the rain, the garden grew afterward.
We will finish the task next.
The train left, and later we arrived.
They ate dinner, then watched a movie.
The car broke, consequently we walked home.
He failed the test, however he tried again.
She loves dogs, likewise her brother loves cats.
The plan failed, unfortunately we tried again.
The project is done, ultimately we will celebrate.

Weak Choices and Better Ones

and then: Weak choice for complex ideas; Use 'subsequently' instead.
so then: Redundant phrasing; Use 'consequently' for clarity.
then again: Confusing in formal writing; Use 'nevertheless' for contrast.
then what: Interrupts flow; Use 'consequently' to show results.
like then: Colloquial and vague; Use 'similarly' for comparisons.

Tips for Using Them

When selecting transition words for then, always consider the logical relationship between the ideas you are connecting. If you are simply listing events in order, words like next or later work well without adding unnecessary weight. However, if you need to show that one event causes another, choose consequence-based words like consequently or hence to make the link explicit. Avoid overusing the word then itself, as it can make writing feel repetitive and informal, especially in academic or professional contexts. Instead, vary your vocabulary by choosing words that match the specific tone you wish to convey, ensuring each sentence flows naturally into the next without jarring shifts in direction.