Then

I think I have a favorite word. It's "then."

So far, everyone I've told has responded with facial expressions ranging from politely feigned interest to sheer bewilderment. But it makes sense to me, even though I can't explain it incredibly well. And I know this because I first thought it about two years ago, and I still agree with myself.

(p.s., studying grammar can really be a curse - after my months tutoring English, I can hardly write a thing without pondering essential and nonessential clauses, direct and indirect objects, and other such nonsense. It is highly distracting.)

Anyway.

The word then is most often used as an adverb, and it commonly means "at that time," "immediately or soon afterward," next in time or place," or "therefore."

The word then implies that there is something more that you can't see. It carries a sense of expectation, because when you see it you know there is more coming, although you don't yet know what that might be. Furthermore, the expectation of then is always satisfied: there always is more and you are never left wanting.


I think that applies to my life . . . at least, I hope so. And I like that.