Formal Synonyms for “Right After”

The phrase “right after” is commonly used in both spoken and written English to indicate immediate sequence, but in formal writing, it’s often best to use more polished alternatives. Here are several formal synonyms for “right after” that are suitable for academic, business, or professional contexts.

Best Formal Alternatives to “Right After”

Formal Synonym	Usage Example
Immediately following	Immediately following the meeting, the team submitted their reports.
Subsequent to	Subsequent to the announcement, the stock price increased significantly.
Following	Following the completion of the project, a review was conducted.
Thereafter	The decision was made, and the implementation began shortly thereafter.
Directly after	The team left directly after the presentation concluded.
Just after	Just after the training session, employees were evaluated.

Contextual Guidelines for Choosing the Right Term

• Use “immediately following” or “subsequent to” in formal reports, research papers, and academic writing.
• “Thereafter” is ideal for legal or historical contexts where time sequencing is critical.
• “Following” offers a versatile and elegant alternative that works in nearly all formal settings.
• “Directly after” and “just after” can be used in formal business communication, but are slightly less formal than the others.

Conclusion

While “right after” is widely understood, using formal synonyms enhances clarity and professionalism in writing. Depending on the context, phrases like “immediately following,” “subsequent to,” or “thereafter” provide a more refined way to express immediate sequence.

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