The word “then” is commonly used in storytelling, instructions, and step-by-step explanations. Many writers wonder whether it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with “then.” The answer is yes absolutely. In modern English, beginning a sentence with “then” is both acceptable and widely used, especially for showing sequence, cause-and-effect, or logical progression.
However, overusing it can make writing feel repetitive or mechanical. That’s why it’s helpful to understand not only how to use “then” at the start of a sentence but also when it sounds most natural and professional.
In this guide, you’ll learn 35+ practical ways to start a sentence with “then,” along with examples, tone explanations, and usage tips to improve clarity, flow, and readability in your writing.
Is It Correct to Start a Sentence with “Then”?
Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with “then.”
It is commonly used to:
- Show sequence of events
- Explain steps in instructions
- Connect ideas in storytelling or reports
Tone: Neutral, functional, and logical.
When to Use “Then” at the Start of a Sentence
You can use it when:
- Writing step-by-step guides
- Explaining processes
- Narrating events
- Giving instructions
Example:
- I submitted the report. Then I informed my manager.
Is It Formal or Informal?
“Then” is neutral, but slightly informal in professional writing if overused.
To sound more polished:
- Use it sparingly
- Combine it with connectors like “subsequently” or “after that” when needed
35+ Ways to Start a Sentence with “Then” (Expanded Examples)
1. Then, I reviewed the document
- Meaning: Next step in sequence
- Tone: Neutral
- Example: Then, I reviewed the document carefully.
- Use when: Instructions or reports
2. Then, we proceeded to the next stage
- Meaning: Continuation of process
- Tone: Formal
- Example: Then, we proceeded to the next stage of development.
- Use when: Business processes
3. Then, I contacted the client
- Meaning: Action following another
- Tone: Professional
- Example: Then, I contacted the client for clarification.
- Use when: Work updates
4. Then, the issue was resolved
- Meaning: Outcome after action
- Tone: Formal
- Example: Then, the issue was resolved successfully.
- Use when: Reporting results
5. Then, we analyzed the data
- Meaning: Next analytical step
- Tone: Professional
- Example: Then, we analyzed the data collected from surveys.
- Use when: Research reports
6. Then, I submitted the report
- Meaning: Completed action
- Tone: Neutral
- Example: Then, I submitted the report to management.
- Use when: Task reporting
7. Then, the meeting concluded
- Meaning: End of event
- Tone: Formal
- Example: Then, the meeting concluded at 5 PM.
- Use when: Meeting summaries
8. Then, we discussed the next steps
- Meaning: Planning continuation
- Tone: Professional
- Example: Then, we discussed the next steps in detail.
- Use when: Project updates
9. Then, I followed up via email
- Meaning: Follow-up action
- Tone: Professional
- Example: Then, I followed up via email the next day.
- Use when: Communication tracking
10. Then, the results were shared
- Meaning: Information delivery
- Tone: Formal
- Example: Then, the results were shared with the team.
- Use when: Reporting outcomes
11–35. Additional Sentence Starters Using “Then” (Expanded)
11. Then, I made the necessary changes
- Action-based continuation
- Example: Then, I made the necessary changes to the file.
12. Then, we moved forward with the plan
- Progression statement
- Example: Then, we moved forward with the plan.
13. Then, I reviewed the feedback
- Evaluation step
- Example: Then, I reviewed the feedback carefully.
14. Then, the system was updated
- Technical/process update
- Example: Then, the system was updated automatically.
15. Then, I informed the team
- Communication step
- Example: Then, I informed the team about the change.
16. Then, we implemented the solution
- Execution step
- Example: Then, we implemented the solution immediately.
17. Then, the data was verified
- Validation step
- Example: Then, the data was verified for accuracy.
18. Then, I prepared the presentation
- Task preparation
- Example: Then, I prepared the presentation slides.
19. Then, the decision was made
- Final outcome
- Example: Then, the decision was made unanimously.
20. Then, we scheduled a follow-up
- Planning step
- Example: Then, we scheduled a follow-up meeting.
21. Then, I sent the confirmation
- Communication action
- Example: Then, I sent the confirmation email.
22. Then, the issue was escalated
- Problem management
- Example: Then, the issue was escalated to management.
23. Then, I documented the findings
- Record-keeping
- Example: Then, I documented the findings in detail.
24. Then, we finalized the agreement
- Completion step
- Example: Then, we finalized the agreement.
25. Then, I updated the records
- Administrative action
- Example: Then, I updated the records accordingly.
26. Then, the project began
- Starting point
- Example: Then, the project began in earnest.
27. Then, I checked the requirements
- Verification step
- Example: Then, I checked the requirements carefully.
28. Then, we reviewed the proposal
- Evaluation step
- Example: Then, we reviewed the proposal in detail.
29. Then, I made a recommendation
- Decision support
- Example: Then, I made a recommendation to the board.
30. Then, the changes were approved
- Approval outcome
- Example: Then, the changes were approved unanimously.
31. Then, we closed the meeting
- Formal ending
- Example: Then, we closed the meeting after discussion.
32. Then, I clarified the instructions
- Explanation step
- Example: Then, I clarified the instructions for the team.
33. Then, we documented the process
- Recording workflow
- Example: Then, we documented the process for future reference.
34. Then, I confirmed the details
- Verification
- Example: Then, I confirmed the details with the client.
35. Then, the task was completed
- Final outcome
- Example: Then, the task was completed successfully.
Conclusion
Starting a sentence with “then” is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal writing. It is especially useful for showing sequence, clarity, and logical flow. However, to keep your writing polished and engaging, it’s important not to overuse it.
These 35+ examples show how “then” can be used effectively in professional communication, reports, and instructions. By combining clarity with variation, you can make your writing smoother, more structured, and more impactful.