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

That was the 1992 San Diego Chargers, who started 0-4 but then won 11 of their final 12 games. — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

The connection to ego may help explain why rejections are so painful, even for people who had already been contemplating ending their relationship—but then their partner beat them to the punch. — George Loewenstein, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026

There was also starting wide receiver Jalen Coker, who was questionable coming into Sunday with an ankle injury, was active, played, but then left with a quad injury in the third quarter and didn’t return. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026

The White House complied and reissued press passes to staffers for the outlets Thursday morning — but then blocked the networks at the state dinner. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for but then

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