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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There is risk on the upside, however, where the stock falls but then powers above the strike price – and then the investor misses the sharp appreciation. —

Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024 She was taken into custody but then released on a $15,000 bond. —

Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 Adults will roll their eyes at the fart jokes; but then, kids will cringe at the sound of Ed Sheeran and Coldplay. —

Damon Wise, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2024 Spencer Rattler connected on a 32-yard completion on his first snap, but then misread coverage and nearly had a pass intercepted two plays later. —

Greg Rosenstein, NBC News, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for but then