then

(linking-words)

Found 19 stronger alternatives to upgrade your writing.

after that

Sequence (simple phrase)

Nuance: Next step

Very common; works in stories and essays.

Boring

First we planned; then we started writing.

Better

First we planned; after that, we started writing.

afterwards

Sequence (time)

Nuance: Time passed

Slightly more formal than later.

Boring

We finished our work; then we went outside.

Better

We finished our work; afterwards, we went outside.

at that point

Sequence (moment)

Nuance: Moment

Good for a specific moment.

Boring

I heard a loud crash; then I ran outside.

Better

I heard a loud crash; at that point, I ran outside.

from there

Sequence (continue)

Nuance: Direction

Good for directions.

Boring

We reached the trailhead; then we followed the signs.

Better

We reached the trailhead; from there, we followed the signs.

later

Sequence (time)

Nuance: Time passed

Shows time passing.

Boring

We finished our work; then we went outside.

Better

We finished our work; later, we went outside.

later on

Sequence (time)

Nuance: Time passed

Very common and natural.

Boring

We finished our work; then we went outside.

Better

We finished our work; later on, we went outside.

Sequence (simple)

Nuance: Next step

Very common and clear.

Boring

First we planned; then we started writing.

Better

First we planned; next, we started writing.

afterward

Sequence (time)

Nuance: Time

Slightly more formal spelling.

Boring

We finished the warm-up; then we started the game.

Better

We finished the warm-up; afterward, we started the game.

as soon as that happened

Sequence (immediate)

Nuance: Immediate

Shows immediate next action.

Boring

The bell rang; then everyone lined up.

Better

The bell rang; as soon as that happened, everyone lined up.

following that

Sequence (formal phrase)

Nuance: Formal sequence

Formal and clear.

Boring

We explained the rule; then we practiced examples.

Better

We explained the rule; following that, we practiced examples.

in the next step

Sequence (instructions)

Nuance: Step-by-step

Great for procedures.

Boring

Then add the numbers and check your work.

Better

In the next step, add the numbers and check your work.

subsequently

Sequence (formal)

Nuance: Formal sequence

Formal; good for reports.

Boring

The class took notes; then we discussed the results.

Better

The class took notes; subsequently, we discussed the results.

consequently

Sequence/result (formal)

Nuance: Chain

Can show chain logic; not always just time.

Boring

The first step was completed; then the next step was easier.

Better

The first step was completed; consequently, the next step was easier.

eventually

Sequence (after time)

Nuance: After time

Shows a long process.

Boring

He tried many times; then he succeeded.

Better

He tried many times; eventually, he succeeded.

in the end

Final step

Nuance: Final

Clear final transition.

Boring

We practiced all week; then the performance went well.

Better

We practiced all week; in the end, the performance went well.

in turn

Chain sequence

Nuance: Chain

Great for chain effects.

Boring

Practice improved focus; then scores improved.

Better

Practice improved focus; in turn, scores improved.

thereafter

Sequence (formal)

Nuance: Formal

Very formal; use rarely.

Boring

The rules were explained; then the test began.

Better

The rules were explained; thereafter, the test began.

thereupon

Sequence (very formal)

Nuance: Very formal

Very formal; use rarely.

Boring

The alarm rang; then everyone left the building.

Better

The alarm rang; thereupon, everyone left the building.

ultimately

Final outcome

Nuance: Final

Formal; final result after steps.

Boring

They debated for an hour; then they agreed.

Better

They debated for an hour; ultimately, they agreed.