Meaning
Used to link events in chronological sequence
Primary Function
sequential connector (temporal)
Communicative Purpose
to narrate a sequence of actions or events in a natural, spoken manner
Pattern
and then
Core Structure
and then
Função primária
sequential connector (temporal)
Propósito comunicativo
to narrate a sequence of actions or events in a natural, spoken manner
Situações de gatilho
telling a story, giving instructions, describing a process step by step
Contextos
everyday conversation, informal written narratives, spoken anecdotes
Padrão
and then
Estrutura central
and then
Slots de substituição
none (fixed phrase)
Colocados típicos
- I went
- she said
- we'll
- you just
Substituições comuns
- “and after that”
- “afterwards”
Erros comuns
overusing ‘and then… and then… and then’ in writing; using it to start a formal paragraph
Similar / contraste
after that, then
Interferências
Learners may omit 'and' because many languages use a single consecutive particle
Família do chunk
- sequential connectors
Nuance
Signals a straightforward chronological link, often in spoken storytelling
Efeito pragmático
Creates a cohesive, easy-to-follow narrative flow; feels natural and unforced
Dica de memória
and then = next
Nota
This chunk is often used in informal spoken and written contexts to connect two clauses in a chronological sequence, making it easier for the listener or reader to follow the narrative.
Upgrade path
from 'then' to 'and then' to 'subsequently' (formal)
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