These 35 Other Ways to Say “Then-Current” can make writing clearer and more natural, especially when context demands precision. Using the right alternative helps you connect ideas smoothly while keeping your tone consistent and professional. This flexibility in word choice ensures you’re not locked into one phrase, giving your writing more depth and flow.
Writers often shift the term based on the situation. For example, in legal notes or historical analysis, a phrase close to the current ensures accuracy tied to that exact time. On the other hand, in creative work, a lighter alternative helps maintain rhythm. Balancing tone and context lets your message feel both precise and easy to follow.
What Does “Then-Current” Mean?
The term “Then-Current“ refers to something relevant or applicable at a particular point in time, often referring to a specific time period or context. It’s used to describe the state of affairs, trends, or situations that existed at that moment. For example, in historical or journalistic writing, you might say, “Then-Current” events shaped the political climate.”
When to Use “Then-Current”?
You’d typically use “Then-Current“ when referring to something that was true or existed at a specific moment in the past. It often carries a sense of change or comparison, highlighting the difference between past and present conditions.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Then-Current”?
Yes, “Then-Current“ is considered formal and appropriate in professional, historical, or analytical contexts. However, in casual conversation or less formal writing, it might sound too stiff or overly academic. It’s best to use it in situations that demand precise, time-based reference.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Adds clarity when describing a specific period in time.
- Keeps the language formal and precise.
- Useful in academic, legal, or historical writing.
Cons:
- It can sound overly formal or academic in casual contexts.
- It might be less clear if not properly explained or contextualized.
Then-Current Synonyms:
- At the Time
- At That Point
- At the Moment
- As of Then
- At That Time
- Back Then
- At the Period in Question
- During That Time
- In Those Days
- In the Past
- Previously
- As Was the Case Then.
- In That Era
- In That Moment
- As It Was Back Then
- At the Time in Question
- During That Period
- At that juncture
- At the Relevant Time
- In Retrospect
- In the Previous Era
- As Was the Custom at the Time.
- As of That Time
- At the Specific Time
- At the Former Time
- Back in the Day
- When This Occurred
- In Those Times
- When It Was Happening
- At the Time in Question
- At the Previous Stage
- In the Context of the Time
- Back in Those Days
- During the Time in Question
- As Was the Norm at the Time.
At the Time
Meaning:
Refers to a specific moment or period in the past.
Explanation:
A more casual and commonly used phrase to refer to the period when something was true.
Example:
The company was struggling at the time, but it soon turned things around.
Best Use:
Informal writing, storytelling, and personal narratives.
Worst Use:
Academic or highly formal contexts.
Tone:
Casual, neutral.
At That Point
Meaning:
Describes the exact point in time being discussed.
Explanation:
It implies a particular point when something was true or happened.
Example:
At that point, the project was halfway done.
Best Use:
Narrative writing, project updates, and informal discussions.
Worst Use:
In-depth analysis, academic papers.
Tone:
Neutral, straightforward.
At the Moment
Meaning:
Refers to a specific time period, similar to at the time.
Explanation:
More immediately, it can imply a point in time, sometimes close to the present.
Example:
At the moment, the team was working tirelessly to meet the deadline.
Best Use:
Casual conversation, day-to-day descriptions.
Worst Use:
Historical analysis or formal reporting.
Tone:
Casual, immediate.
As of Then
Meaning:
Refers to a specific time in the past.
Explanation:
A way to establish what was true up until a certain time.
Example:
As of then, the company had no plans to expand internationally.
Best Use:
Professional communication, business context.
Worst Use:
Informal contexts.
Tone:
Professional, neutral.
At That Time
Meaning:
Denotes a specific point or period in the past.
Explanation:
It’s another way of referring to a past moment, without the formality of Then-Current.
Example:
At that time, we hadn’t fully understood the scope of the project.
Best Use:
General storytelling, professional writing.
Worst Use:
Overused in technical writing.
Tone:
Neutral, professional.
Back Then
Meaning:
Refers to a specific past time or period, often with a nostalgic undertone.
Explanation:
It emphasizes a time in the past, usually in a more informal tone.
Example:
Back then, we didn’t have the technology to streamline production.
Best Use:
Personal or informal writing.
Worst Use:
Academic or professional formal writing.
Tone:
Informal, nostalgic.
At the Period in Question
Meaning:
Refers to a specific period being discussed, often in more analytical contexts.
Explanation:
A formal, precise way to refer to the time under consideration.
Example:
At the period in question, the company had just been founded.
Best Use:
Legal or academic discussions.
Worst Use:
Casual conversations or writing.
Tone:
Formal, analytical.
During That Time
Meaning:
Refers to the period in question, often used to discuss actions or events that occurred.
Explanation:
Highlights events or actions that happened at a specific point in time.
Example:
During that time, we observed a shift in consumer behavior.
Best Use:
Informal or professional writing, storytelling.
Worst Use:
In historical analysis or strict academic writing.
Tone:
Neutral, flexible.
In Those Days
Meaning:
Refers to a specific period in the past, often with a sense of looking back.
Explanation:
Implies a reference to a time that feels distant or significantly different from the present.
Example:
In those days, communication was slower and less efficient.
Best Use:
Personal stories, reflective writing.
Worst Use:
In formal or objective reporting.
Tone:
Informal, nostalgic.
In the Past
Meaning:
General reference to a time before the present.
Explanation:
A broader phrase that encompasses past events without specifying an exact point.
Example:
In the past, we operated with fewer resources, but now we have more support.
Best Use:
Historical writing, general references.
Worst Use:
When a specific time frame is needed.
Tone:
General, flexible.
Previously
Meaning:
Refers to an earlier time, often used to indicate prior actions or events.
Explanation:
A formal way to indicate something that happened earlier.
Example:
Previously, we didn’t have the funding necessary to expand.
Best Use:
Professional, academic, or business writing.
Worst Use:
Casual or informal contexts.
Tone:
Formal, precise.
As Was the Case Then.
Meaning:
Refers to something valid during a specific past time.
Explanation:
This adds a touch of formality and an analytical tone to past events.
Example:
As was the case then, we faced numerous challenges in executing the plan.
Best Use:
In legal, academic, or historical contexts.
Worst Use:
In casual conversations.
Tone:
Formal, analytical.
In That Era
Meaning:
Refers to a specific era or time period in the past.
Explanation:
Adds a sense of historical perspective when referencing past events.
Example:
In that era, the political landscape was much more divided.
Best Use:
Historical analysis or deep reflections on a particular time period.
Worst Use:
Casual or personal anecdotes.
Tone:
Formal, reflective.
In That Moment
Meaning:
Refers to a specific moment or instant in the past.
Explanation:
Used when describing a precise moment or feeling at a given time.
Example:
In that moment, it became clear that change was necessary.
Best Use:
Storytelling or narrative writing.
Worst Use:
When referring to a broader time period.
Tone:
Dramatic, reflective.
As It Was Back Then
Meaning:
A more conversational way to refer to the way things were during a specific time.
Explanation:
This phrase adds a slightly informal tone while still emphasizing a particular time period.
Example:
As it was back then, we didn’t have the same technology.
Best Use:
Casual storytelling, informal history.
Worst Use:
Academic or professional papers.
Tone:
Informal, conversational.
At the Time in Question
Meaning:
Refers to a specific moment or period being discussed, often when more precision is needed.
Explanation:
This phrase is used when you want to be explicit about the exact time or context being referred to.
Example:
At the time in question, the company had just entered the international market.
Best Use:
In a detailed analysis or when you need to clarify a specific point in time.
Worst Use:
When the time frame is not crucial or when casual language is preferred.
Tone:
Formal, analytical.
During That Period
Meaning:
Describes a span of time when something was happening.
Explanation:
This is useful when referring to a broader timeframe, not necessarily a specific moment.
Example:
During that period, the country underwent significant political changes.
Best Use:
Historical or academic writing, when discussing events over a certain period.
Worst Use:
In personal anecdotes or casual conversations.
Tone:
Formal, historical.
At that juncture
Meaning:
Refers to a specific point or critical moment in time.
Explanation:
It emphasizes a pivotal moment or turning point.
Example:
At that juncture, we realized that a different approach was needed.
Best Use:
For business, legal, or decision-making contexts where a significant moment is emphasized.
Worst Use:
In informal discussions or casual storytelling.
Tone:
Formal, serious.
At the Relevant Time
Meaning:
Refers to the time most pertinent to the subject at hand.
Explanation:
This phrase is often used to focus on the most relevant period in a specific situation.
Example:
At the relevant time, the policies in place were insufficient to handle the issue.
Best Use:
Legal documents, formal reports, or business discussions.
Worst Use:
Casual conversations or relaxed contexts.
Tone:
Professional, neutral.
In Retrospect
Meaning:
A reflective way of discussing a past time, often with the benefit of hindsight.
Explanation:
This phrase often indicates that the speaker is looking back on events from a present perspective.
Example:
In retrospect, the decision to delay the launch was the right one.
Best Use:
In reflective writing, personal analysis, or after-action reviews.
Worst Use:
In active discussions or when looking at immediate events.
Tone:
Reflective, thoughtful.
In the Previous Era
Meaning:
Refers to a particular past time period, often when there were notable differences between then and now.
Explanation:
Often used when comparing the past to the present, especially if the past was distinctly different.
Example:
In the previous era, social media wasn’t as influential as it is today.
Best Use:
When writing about historical shifts or comparing different time periods.
Worst Use:
Casual or informal contexts.
Tone:
Formal, reflective.
As Was the Custom at the Time.
Meaning:
Describes the way things were typically done during a specific period.
Explanation:
Implies a habitual action or societal norm from a past time.
Example:
As was the custom at the time, most people traveled by horse and carriage.
Best Use:
Historical writing, or when discussing past customs and behaviors.
Worst Use:
In modern-day discussions or current situations.
Tone:
Formal, historical.
As of That Time
Meaning:
Refers to the state of affairs or facts as they existed at a particular time.
Explanation:
It focuses on describing something true at the specific time being referenced.
Example:
As of that time, the company had just reached its first milestone.
Best Use:
Professional or historical reports, setting the stage for a past condition.
Worst Use:
Informal writing or casual discussions.
Tone:
Formal, precise.
At the Specific Time
Meaning:
A precise way to refer to a certain point in time.
Explanation:
Implies exactness, emphasizing the precise moment or period.
Example:
At the specific time of the meeting, several key stakeholders were absent.
Best Use:
Situations requiring precision, like legal, technical, or detailed business reports.
Worst Use:
When a more general reference to time is sufficient.
Tone:
Formal, precise.
At the Former Time
Meaning:
A more traditional way to refer to a previous time period.
Explanation:
This phrase is slightly more formal and suggests a historical context.
Example:
At the former time, communication was much more localized.
Best Use:
Historical, academic, or formal business writing.
Worst Use:
Casual conversations or modern-day settings.
Tone:
Formal, historical.
Back in the Day
Meaning:
An informal, nostalgic way of referencing a past time.
Explanation:
Often used to evoke nostalgia or reflect on a time when things were different.
Example:
Back in the day, people used to meet face-to-face for meetings instead of Zoom calls.
Best Use:
Casual conversations, storytelling, or reflective writing.
Worst Use:
Professional or formal contexts.
Tone:
Informal, nostalgic.
When This Occurred
Meaning:
Refers to the time when a specific event or action took place.
Explanation:
Often used in narratives or when recounting an event.
Example:
When this occurred, it became clear that change was inevitable.
Best Use:
In storytelling, reporting, or case studies.
Worst Use:
Casual or overly informal situations.
Tone:
Neutral, descriptive.
In Those Times
Meaning:
Refers to a specific era or period in the past, often when conditions were very different.
Explanation:
This phrase implies a sense of distance, referring to a time that may feel outdated or very different from the present.
Example:
In those times, communication was mostly done by mail.
Best Use:
Historical reflections, stories about older times.
Worst Use:
Modern, everyday discussions.
Tone:
Reflective, formal.
When It Was Happening
Meaning:
Refers to the time when a particular event or series of events took place.
Explanation:
This phrase places focus on the event itself and the time it occurred.
Example:
When it was happening, we didn’t realize how significant the situation was.
Best Use:
In narrative writing or when discussing events.
Worst Use:
When referring to a broader time period.
Tone:
Neutral, descriptive.
At the Time in Question
Meaning:
Refers to the time period or moment being discussed, often in more formal contexts.
Explanation:
This phrase is formal and specifies the exact time being analyzed or referred to.
Example:
At the time in question, the policy had not yet been approved.
Best Use:
Legal, academic, or professional discussions where precision is needed.
Worst Use:
Informal conversations.
Tone:
Formal, precise.
At the Previous Stage
Meaning:
Refers to an earlier phase or stage of something.
Explanation:
Often used when discussing processes or events that unfold in stages.
Example:
At the previous stage, the team was still developing the concept.
Best Use:
Process-oriented writing, business or project development discussions.
Worst Use:
Personal narratives or casual conversations.
Tone:
Professional, technical.
In the Context of the Time
Meaning:
Refers to the state of things as they were within the broader social or historical context at the time.
Explanation:
This phrase gives a deeper sense of the conditions and circumstances surrounding a period.
Example:
In the context of the time, these actions were considered revolutionary.
Best Use:
Historical analysis, discussions that need context.
Worst Use:
When the time period is not a focal point of the discussion.
Tone:
Academic, reflective.
Back in Those Days
Meaning:
Refers to a specific time period, often with a sense of nostalgia.
Explanation:
A relaxed, informal way to talk about a time in the past.
Example:
Back in those days, we had to manually file documents.
Best Use:
Personal reflections, casual conversations.
Worst Use:
Professional or formal discussions.
Tone:
Casual, nostalgic.
During the Time in Question
Meaning:
Refers to the time that is being specifically discussed.
Explanation:
This phrase is similar to at the time in question, but it’s a little more direct and formal.
Example:
During the time in question, the political environment was highly unstable.
Best Use:
Legal or historical writing, formal reports.
Worst Use:
In casual settings.
Tone:
Formal, precise.
As Was the Norm at the Time
Meaning:
Refers to practices or behaviors that were typical at a particular time.
Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes what was considered usual or standard during a specific period.
Example:
As was the norm at the time, communication was more face-to-face than digital.
Best Use:
Historical analysis, academic discussions.
Worst Use:
Casual conversations or everyday situations.
Tone:
Formal, descriptive.
Conclusion
When communicating, using the right term for a specific time period can make your writing clearer and more engaging. “Then-Current“ is a useful term, but it can be swapped out for many others depending on the context, tone, and formality of your writing. These alternatives allow you to tailor your message to the specific needs of your audience, ensuring that your communication is both accurate and effective. Whether you’re writing informally or in a professional setting, knowing these options will help you express yourself with precision and flair.
FAQs
What does “Then-Current” mean?
“Then-Current” refers to something true, valid, or applicable at a specific time in the past.
Is “Then-Current” still used today?
Yes, but it’s more common in legal, historical, or formal writing. In casual writing, people prefer simpler alternatives.
What are some alternatives to “Then-Current”?
You can use phrases like at that time, prevailing, existing, in effect, applicable then, or current at the time.
Can I use “Then-Current” in creative writing?
You can, but smoother alternatives often work better in storytelling or a casual tone.
Is there a hyphen rule for “Then-Current”?
Yes. Use the hyphen when the phrase acts as an adjective before a noun (e.g., “Then-Current” policy).

Hi, I’m Olivia Sinclair, the voice behind GrammarWaves.com. I’ve spent years studying the fine points of English grammar, usage, and style – and I created this site to make those tricky topics feel simple, clear, and even enjoyable.