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

The combined Academy was first based in New York, but then moved out west — angering the folks in Gotham. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026

East Ridge coach Donnie Burchfield learned a lot last year after his team jumped out to a 6-0 record, but then failed to win another game to finish 6-5. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

Frodin opened the final by taking a 3-0 lead, experienced one glitch in losing the next game on her serve, but then regained form to close out the match in 59 minutes. — Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

Catton’s ecological collective occupies unused land to grow food, but then encounters a fabulously wealthy man with his own plans for the landscape. — Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for but then

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