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

Brent crude rose to $114 per barrel but then eased back to $113. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Admittedly, the album’s ’90s sound palette has echoes of millennial nostalgia bait—but then again, when has nostalgia not been part of Hemsworth’s appeal? — Mehan Jayasuriya, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026

Markets expect the Fed to hold off on a rate hike in October but then to institute another quarter percentage point increase in December. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

In March, the Baltimore County Council passed, but then rescinded, earlier legislation that tied the hikes in salaries to members' pensions, the Banner reported. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for but then

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