From There On vs. From Then On – Which is Correct?
“From there on” and “from then on” are both correct, but they express different ideas. Use “from then on” for a continuing period after a past time or event. Use “from there on” for continuation from a place, point, or stage. In most time-based sentences, “from then on” is natural.
From There On or From Then On – Which is Correct?
Both “from there on” and “from then on” are valid English phrases, but they are not interchangeable in every context.
Because then is often confused with than, reviewing Than vs. Then can clarify this distinction.
Use “from then on” when you mean “starting at that time and continuing afterward.” The word then refers to a particular moment, period, or event in time.
Use “from there on” when you mean “starting from that place, point, or stage and continuing onward.” The word there usually refers to a location or a figurative point in a process, argument, or journey.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the time-and-place swap test: if you can replace the phrase with “after that time,” choose “from then on.” If you can replace it with “starting at that point or place,” choose “from there on.”
For example, “She moved abroad, and from then on she called every week” refers to time. “Follow the trail from there on” refers to a place or point along a route.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| from there on | Adverbial phrase | Starting from a place, point, or stage | From there on, the path became steeper. |
| from then on | Adverbial phrase | Starting at a particular past time or event | From then on, he arrived early. |
How to Use From There On
“From there on” describes continuation from a location, position, point in a sequence, or stage in a process. Its meaning may be literal, as in a journey, or figurative, as in an explanation or plan.
Although grammatically correct, this phrase is less common than “from then on” in everyday writing. In some contexts, “from that point on” or “from there onward” may sound clearer and more natural.
Example 1: We reached the old bridge, and from there on the road followed the river.
Example 2: The instructions are simple up to step four; from there on, you will need a calculator.
Example 3: The team solved the first problem quickly, but from there on, the investigation became more complicated.
Etymology of the phrase From There On
The phrase combines from, an Old English preposition meaning “away from” or “starting at,” with there, an Old English demonstrative adverb referring to a place or point, and on, an old adverb expressing continuation or onward movement. Together, the words convey the idea of continuing from a particular point.
How to Use From Then On
“From then on” refers to a period beginning at a specified or previously mentioned time. It commonly follows a past event and describes what continued afterward. The phrase is neutral in tone and works well in casual conversation, formal writing, storytelling, biographies, and historical accounts.
The time mentioned does not always need to be stated as a specific date. It can be an event, decision, realization, or change in circumstances.
Example 1: She received helpful advice that day, and from then on, she kept a detailed journal.
Example 2: After the company changed its policy, from then on, all requests had to be submitted online.
Example 3: He apologized sincerely, and from then on, their relationship improved.
Etymology of the phrase From Then On
The phrase is formed from from, meaning “starting at,” then, an Old English time-related adverb meaning “at that time” or “after that,” and on, which conveys continuation. Its literal sense is “continuing from that time forward.”
Related Concepts
Understanding the difference between place references and time references makes it easier to choose the correct phrase.
- Adverbial phrases: Both expressions function as adverbial phrases because they modify a verb, adjective, or entire clause by explaining when or from what point an action continues.
- Time references: Words such as then, afterward, and subsequently refer to time. “From then on” belongs to this group.
- Place and point references: Words such as there, here, and where can identify a location or position. “From there on” often belongs to this group.
- Figurative language: A place can represent a stage or point in an argument or process. For example, “from there on” may refer to the next stage of a project rather than a physical location.
Examples from Media and Literature
Both phrases appear naturally in narratives, journalism, travel writing, and explanatory media. The following examples show the distinction between time-based and point-based usage.
- Biographical writing: A biography may describe a major decision by saying, “From then on, her career took a new direction.” The phrase marks a change beginning at a past moment.
- Historical reporting: An account of a political event may state, “From then on, the two countries pursued different policies.” This use refers to the period after the event.
- Travel writing: A guidebook might say, “The road climbs sharply from there on.” Here, “there” identifies a point along the route.
- Fictional storytelling: A narrator may write, “From then on, he never entered the house after dark.” The phrase establishes a continuing behavior after an earlier incident.
- Documentary narration: An explanation of a scientific process might say, “From there on, the material passes through a series of filters.” In this example, the phrase refers to the next stage of a procedure.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct phrase, “from there on” or “from then on,” to complete each sentence.
- After the accident, __________, she always wore a seat belt.
- Turn left at the library; __________, the museum is two blocks away.
- The first part of the presentation was easy, but __________, the subject became more technical.
- He started taking lessons in June, and __________, his playing improved rapidly.
- The trail reaches a waterfall, and __________, it follows the valley floor.
Answer Key
- from then on — It refers to the time after the accident.
- from there on — It refers to the route beginning at the library.
- from there on — It refers to the next point or stage of the presentation.
- from then on — It refers to the period after June.
- from there on — It refers to the trail beginning at the waterfall.
From There On Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| from that point onward | Continuing from a specified physical or figurative point |
| from there onward | Continuing forward from a particular place or stage |
| after that point | Beginning after a particular position or stage |
| onward from there | Moving or progressing forward from a stated location |
From Then On Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| from that time onward | Continuing after a particular time or event |
| after that | At a later time following a previously mentioned event |
| subsequently | Afterward or later in time; a more formal alternative |
| ever afterward | Continuing for all or much of the period that follows |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “from there on” grammatically correct?
Yes. “From there on” is grammatically correct when it refers to continuation from a place, point, or stage. For a time-based meaning, “from then on” is usually the better choice.
Question 2: Is “from then on” the same as “from that moment on”?
Usually, yes. Both phrases indicate that something began at a particular past time and continued afterward. “From that moment on” can place slightly more emphasis on the exact moment of change.
Question 3: Which phrase is more common: “from there on” or “from then on”?
“From then on” is generally more common because people frequently describe actions or conditions that continued after a past event. “From there on” is useful when discussing routes, stages, points, or locations.
Conclusion
“From there on” and “from then on” are both correct, but they serve different purposes. Choose from then on for continuation after a time or event, and choose from there on for continuation from a place, point, or stage. Pro tip: Selecting the precise phrase strengthens your writing and helps readers see you as careful and professional.
