How to Use but then in a Sentence

but then

phrase

• Sure, but then very few things in sports are a sure bet.
  — Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
• The driver briefly stopped but then drove away.
  — Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 2026
• The fire stopped for a time, but then restarted.
  — CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
• At first, the cat ate just one kibble but then paused.
  — Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
• Her plan was to be back to work by now, but then the strike happened.
  — Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Aug. 2023
• After the strike the fish bore away but then came topside to jump.
  — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 12 Mar. 2026
• Only a liar would deny it, but then the job just had to be done.
  — David Martin, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2023
• At first the room was silent, but then a ripple of whispers spread.
  — Literary Hub, 11 Feb. 2026
• We kind of like each other in real life, but then there’s the show.
  — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2024
• Kate starts to laugh it off, but then her face becomes flushed with concern.
  — Barry Levitt, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
• And my son, who's only four, goes to bed in his own bed but then has to sleep with us.
  — Toria Sheffield, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024
• Years passed with no sign of the tumor's regrowth, but then things changed.
  — Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
• Have a nice dinner out, but then spend a night at the rental house with takeout and games.
  — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
• The film hit a particular note but then didn’t vary that note.
  — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2024
• This led to many deals that initially traded well but then crashed.
  — Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 1 July 2025
• The girl is seen smiling at first, but then appears confused.
  — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 26 Sep. 2023
• Other forum posts warn that the update starts but then fails.
  — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
• My roots are deeper, but then also that can maybe allow my leaves to change.
  — Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
• Just a handful of burglaries here and there for a while, but then a few more.
  — Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2026
• It was already done, but then tossed onto a flat-top griddle with cheese.
  — Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 2025
• There are laws, but then there are deeper natural laws at stake as well.
  — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026
• At one point, the stock was up 4% after hours, but then the sellers took a slice.
  — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
• Enjoy their warm hues for a little while, but then get your pruning shears ready.
  — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025
• Austin was the first guy, but then another one appeared.
  — Jay Glennie, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
• The stock market soared post-election, but then tanked on tariffs.
  — Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
• The very thought feels absurd—but then again, isn’t that the whole point of luxury?
  — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025
• Some customers do note that the comforter may be too thin — but then again that may be ideal.
  — Good Housekeeping, 7 Sep. 2023
• Matthew bogeyed two holes on the front nine, but then picked up four birdies and just one bogey on the back nine.
  — Jodom, oregonlive, 25 Aug. 2023
• My daughter was living in my garage apartment but then got married and moved away.
  — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2025
• Of course, chaos ensues as Bandit plays with his two pups, but then there's a jump in time!
  — Sari Hitchins, Parents, 12 Mar. 2026