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

All-Star closer Cade Smith worked a scoreless eighth for the Guardians but then gave up Vargas' first postseason homer and a walk to start the ninth. — Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

There is no rear window, but then there’s no rear window in a Polestar 4, and to be frank, barely a view out the back of a Corvette or even a Land Rover Defender when the spare tire is on the back. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026

Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was elected president later that year, but then the country suffered an economic crash brought on by the COVID-19 crisis, a tourism downturn and his economic decisions. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

The wagon would roll along fine for five or six feet, but then the wheels attached to the motors would brake, drag along the ground, and then release after a second or two. — Thomas Ricker, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for but then

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