"and then" vs "and so"

Question

"and then" vs "and so"

Both 'and so' and 'and then' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'And so' is used to indicate a consequence or conclusion, while 'and then' is used to show a sequence of events. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the intended meaning of the sentence.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

Use 'and then' to indicate the order of events in a story or a series of actions. It is often used to show a chronological progression.

Examples:

She woke up, and then she brushed her teeth.
He finished his homework, and then he went to bed.
First, we need to prepare the ingredients, and then we can start cooking.

Alternatives:

after that
subsequently
following that

Use 'and so' to connect two clauses where the second clause is a result of the first one. It is often used to show cause and effect.

Examples:

She studied hard, and so she passed the exam.
He missed the bus, and so he arrived late to work.
The weather was bad, and so the event was canceled.

Alternatives:

therefore
consequently
as a result

Answer 1

and then

The phrase 'and then' is correct and commonly used in English to show a sequence of events.

Answer 2

and so

The phrase 'and so' is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a consequence or conclusion.