thenclause

Thenclause, in linguistic and grammatical analysis, refers to the clause in a conditional sentence that expresses the result or consequence of a stated condition. It is often called the apodosis in traditional terminology, while the preceding clause is known as the protasis. The then-clause typically follows the condition and indicates what will or would happen if the condition is met.

In English usage, the then-clause is usually a finite clause that states the outcome. The word then may appear as a discourse marker or adverb in the main clause, as in: If you study, then you will pass. In many cases, the then-clause is not explicitly introduced by then, and the relationship between the clauses is understood from context or punctuation.

Tense and mood in the then-clause align with the type of conditional being expressed. Zero conditionals pair present tense forms to general truths (If you heat ice, it melts). First conditionals use a present condition with future result (If it rains, we will stay indoors). Second and third conditionals involve hypothetical or counterfactual meanings and typically use would, could, or past perfect forms in the then-clause (If I were taller, I would reach it; If you had left earlier, you would have caught the train).

Cross-linguistic variation exists: some languages encode the conditional relation primarily in the verb form or through a separate conjunction, rather than relying on a distinct then-clause. In discourse, the_then-clause can contribute to sequencing, emphasis, or argumentative structure.

See also: conditionals, protasis, apodosis, subordinate clause.