but then

phrase

1

—used to introduce a statement that adds another and different thought to a preceding statement

I'm surprised to hear that Tom has left the army. But then I suppose he never was the type to obey orders.

—sometimes used to introduce an explanation for something

His cakes are amazing—but then he did study with some of the best pastry chefs in the world.

2

—used to introduce a statement that tells about something different or surprising that happened next

The team won the first two games, but then failed to win any of the next five.

Examples of but then in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shares lifted off like a rocket after the company launched the world's biggest initial public offering — but then fell like a rock. — John Ruwitch, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026

The Dodgers weren’t actually bankrupt at the time, but then owner Frank McCourt used the process to keep MLB from seizing the team. — Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

The drug was working well for them, but then the trial was canceled for supposedly being ineffective for the group as a whole. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

Neither fear came to pass in the following months, but then in 2024, TikTok was awash in accusations that the Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Oil was causing hair damage, dryness, breakage and loss. — James Manso, Allure, 3 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for but then

• again
• airmen
• amen
• bullpen
• culmen
• flagmen
• gunmen
• lawmen
• oilmen
• playpen
• schoolmen
• tegmen