How to Use but then in a Sentence
but then
phrase-
Sure, one robot landed a backflip—but then a piece of it broke off and flew toward the crowd.
—
Stephen Witt,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
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Raquel missed a clothesline attempt, but then clotheslined the hell out of Maxxine on her second try.
—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
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The Friday opener had periods of rain showers but then the sun came out in time for a bright pink sky and golden hour sunset lighting.
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Karie Angell Luc,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
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The reality is that everyone is excited at the announcement, but then the real struggle is getting people to converge on standards and rules.
—
Christian Catalini,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
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Thomas Tuchel’s side were scintillating against Croatia in an opening 4-2 win but then frustrated in a 0-0 draw with Ghana.
—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
27 June 2026
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One of the most astute plot points involves the Minions finding early success as actors in Hollywood during the silent era but then losing their status as the talkies took over, revealing their puny, screechy voices.
—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'but then.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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