but then

idiom

—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.

—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

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Mbappe scored the opening goal inside 10 minutes during the latter triumph in Bergamo, but then asked to be brought off 25 later. —

Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 He was seen walking out of the locker room, but then went on a cart, seemingly to get X-rays. —

Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024 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 The shares peaked soon after that but then tumbled in the ensuing months after the company failed to file its financials on time. —

Jordan Novet, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for but then