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 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

Initially, the two sides agreed to transfer wartime OPCON in 2012, but then postponed the target to 2015. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

The shy, nocturnal creatures seem to be staying high in the canopy rather than coming down to feed, but then one of the rangers asks us to follow them as quickly and quietly as possible. — Claire Turrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

That’s where the state taxes something like a utility but then allows the county and city to add taxes on top of the taxes. — Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for but then

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