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 first job went to an internal candidate, but then a second opened up months later. — Lucy Gellman, Hartford Courant, 13 Nov. 2026

The Lions led 5-3 on a three-pointer by Damarien Yates, but then Miami started to hit its deep shots. — Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2026

Thursday’s daytime temperatures will still climb to moderate highs of the mid 70s, but then Thursday night’s cold front will start dropping temperatures Friday into the weekend. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026

The driver managed to partly extricate herself from the vehicle but then got stuck, Potterton said, adding several individuals ran up to help, including one with a fire extinguisher. — Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

Rhymes for but then

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